Stephen Fleming defends MS Dhoni’s spot but admits CSK’s batting struggles

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has backed MS Dhoni despite growing criticism around the former captain’s performances this season. Dhoni, who batted at No. 7 against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, managed 30 runs off 26 balls in a losing cause. The sluggish partnership between Dhoni and Vijay Shankar drew sharp reactions from fans and experts alike, especially with CSK slipping to their third consecutive defeat in IPL 2025.

Adding fuel to retirement speculations was the presence of Dhoni’s parents — Pan Singh and Devaki Devi — at Chepauk during the match. However, Fleming dismissed any talk of calling time on Dhoni’s career, saying that decision isn’t his to make. “No, that's not my role to put an end to it. I have no idea. I'm just enjoying working with him. He's still going strong. I don't even ask these days. You guys are the ones that ask (about retirement),” Fleming said at the post-match press conference.

“It was tough to watch”, coach admits middle-order woes

Fleming addressed Dhoni’s promotion in the batting order, explaining that sending him out in the 11th over wasn’t intended as damage control but rather a strategic call. “The intent was there. When he went out, I think the ball started to grip a little bit more. We understood it was going to be good for the first half and then gradually get slower. So, we were keen to bat and then take pace with the ball,” he said.

He added that both Dhoni and Vijay Shankar found it difficult to generate any rhythm during the crucial middle overs. “They did it really well. Vijay Shankar struggled to get timings all the way through his innings. But that period from 12 to 16 overs was difficult for all. It was tough to watch and certainly tough to be out there. So the game was just slipping away, and even with intent and different methods to do it, it was just too big a scale,” Fleming remarked.

The CSK coach also conceded that the team needs sharper batting performances. “We are focusing still very hard on bowling-wise to restrict teams but we do need to be better with the bat. We need to have one or two players in form, predominantly the top three or four.”

“We need a bit more production there, and that then allows the power hitters to finish off to come in at the right spots. Here, we're having to introduce players just not quite at the right time. We've got Dube as well, who's close, but just not quite getting the job done. So there are thereabouts, but six to 20 to 15-run losses are annoying,” he added.

Badani lauds KL Rahul’s clarity and adaptability

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani praised KL Rahul’s proactive approach, particularly his decision to take on CSK’s wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad early in the innings. “Rahul was clear enough that he was not going to let Noor settle down because he felt that Noor was somebody who was a crucial bowler for CSK.”

Rahul’s shift to the opening slot — away from his usual middle-order role — was another tactical move that paid off. “He is somebody who has been around long enough to understand the need of the hour. He has opened for India. He has batted at 4-5 in the recently concluded Champions Trophy. So I genuinely don't think it's difficult for someone of his calibre,” Badani said.

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