Last Friday night, R Ashwin came out to bat for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at a tricky score of 80 for six, chasing a target of 197 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Fans were puzzled, not just because of Ashwin’s appearance, but because Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a legendary player, was not out there with him.
At 43 years old, Dhoni is more than just a cricketer; he’s a symbol of hope and emotion for many fans, similar to how Sachin Tendulkar is viewed. Even though he isn’t as fast as he used to be, with 117 runs needed off 43 balls, many would still prefer to see Dhoni at the crease instead of Ashwin, who has a lower strike rate in T20 matches.
Let’s be real—a team with four wickets left rarely wins a situation like this. But the question remains: Why was Dhoni at No. 9 in the batting order? We know that even a Dhoni past his prime is often a better choice than Ashwin or other players in the team.
In a past interview, Dhoni said he felt “useless” if he wasn’t keeping wickets. His skills behind the stumps are still amazing, as seen in an earlier game against Mumbai Indians, but it doesn’t make sense for him to bat so low in the order.
During a recent match, Dhoni hit two big sixes and a four in a last-ditch effort that entertained the crowd. Fans are now wondering why he’s not getting more chances to bat higher up when he still has so much talent at 43.
Dhoni has become a beloved figure in Chennai, moving from being an outsider to the most recognized sports star in the city. His humility and incredible skills won hearts, leading CSK to five titles, including a stunning comeback in 2018 after a two-year ban. Fans are starting to question his place at No. 9, despite his amazing track record.
Dhoni still has the power to hit sixes, as shown during the last match. CSK is aiming for a sixth title, and they will need Dhoni to contribute significantly, but more importantly, they need him to bat higher in the order. That’s why people find it “bizarre” to see him at the back of the lineup.
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