Former New Zealand great and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has urged everyone not to “underestimate” MS Dhoni’s influence on the team just because he is batting at No. 9.
CSK will face Gujarat Titans on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, as they continue to battle for a position in the playoffs.
Dhoni has played at an astounding strike rate of 224.49 in the IPL 2024 so far but his batting time has reduced to an extent as the former CSK skipper started to bat at lower order, usually at No 7 or 8.
However, in the match against PBKS on May 5, the 42-year-old came to bat at No 9, even below the likes of Shardul Thakur and was bowled out on the first ball.
He was criticised by many after appearing to bat below bowling all-rounders but Fleming urged everyone to extend their support as Dhoni coming to bat late is a part of his workload management.
“We are managing his workload. It’s risky and we have seen that early on in the season with a little bit of muscle injury, that if he bats too long, we run the risk of losing him. So don’t underestimate his influence on the team just because he comes in at number nine,” said Fleming.
“There is a timing aspect, but we are very wary of what he can give us and we will max that out, but we don’t want to max it out where we lose him. So, it’s a delicate balance,” the former New Zealand player added.
While Fleming urged to support Dhoni, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, in an earlier interview, criticised the wicketkeeper-batter and stressed that is the decision maker in the team yet he continued to send bowling all-rounders above him.
“MS Dhoni shouldn't play if he wants to bat at the number 9 slot. It is better to include a fast bowler than him in the playing XI. He is the decision-maker and has let down his team by not coming out to bat," Harbhajan said on Star Sports.