Sports
CSK Coach Fleming’s Big Hint: Dhoni’s Batting Days Might Be Done
Chennai Super Kings fans got a jolt Sunday when coach Stephen Fleming dropped a heavy clue about MS Dhoni’s IPL 2025 future, saying the 43-year-old’s knee troubles could keep him from batting like the old days. With the season underway, it’s a curveball that’s got everyone asking: Is Thala’s time up?
Fleming’s Concerning Statement
- What He Said: “Batting for long periods in the middle overs may not be on the menu anymore”—a nod to Dhoni’s post-2023 knee surgery struggles.
- Practice Shift: Word is, Dhoni’s been sticking to wicketkeeping drills, skipping full batting stints.
- Pain Factor: Last season, he gritted through discomfort—team insiders hint at heavy strapping, not daily shots.
CSK’s Contingency Plan
- Keeper-Only Role: Dhoni could focus on gloves, with Ruturaj Gaikwad locked in as captain—started March 22.
- Lower Order: If he bats, it’s 8 or 9—16 off 11 vs. RR yesterday (post 1) shows he’s still a finisher, not a builder.
- Next in Line: Scouts are eyeing Finn Allen or Devon Conway as future keepers—long game’s in play.
3 Critical Implications
- Retirement Watch
- Dhoni’s dodged the “last season” call—2024 felt final, but fans and CSK want one more (post 0).
- At 44 in July, yesterday’s 6-run loss to RR (post 1) hints his bat’s fading—decision’s looming.
- CSK’s Playoff Odds
- 2023: Strike rate 182, title win.
- 2024: 134, bounced in Eliminator.
- 2025: 145 vs. RR (post 1)—if it dips below 120, CSK’s middle-order crunch could tank them.
- IPL Ripple Effect
- CSK games pull a 30-40% ticket premium—Dhoni’s the draw (web ID 8).
- Brand’s $1.5 billion tag might shed $150-200 million sans Thala—sponsors are sweating.
Medical Perspective
- Knee Woes: Patellar tendonitis since 2023—surgery patched it, but cartilage’s worn thin (web ID 15).
- No Knife: Dhoni’s skipped more ops to keep playing—pain’s the trade-off (post 0).
- Age Wall: At 43, full bounce-back’s a long shot—mobility’s the real loss.
Fan Reactions
- “Seeing Thala hobble hurts—retire on top, please,” pleads an X post with 10K likes.
- “Just keep him out there, even if he doesn’t bat—CSK’s not CSK without him,” begs a fan poll, 85% in favor.
What’s Next?
- Retention Clock: December’s the cutoff—CSK’s locked him at Rs. 4 crore (post 6), but will he stay?
- Auction Twist: If he bolts, CSK’s Right to Match card’s toast—mega auction’s a gamble.
- Plan B: Word’s out—team’s prepping a coaching gig to keep Dhoni in yellow.
