Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers has said that he does not see former India and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni batting at No. 8 or 9 and still having the same impact, adding that he feels
the franchise might be forcing Dhoni into the lineup.
Dhoni has been a part of the Indian Premier League since its inception in 2008. Over almost two decades, he has been one of the tournament’s greatest match-winners, transforming Chennai Super Kings into one of its most successful and beloved franchises.
But at 44, questions about Dhoni’s role in the team are becoming hard to ignore. His role in Chennai Super Kings has diminished. He handed leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season and with Sanju Samson now in the team, even his wicketkeeping duties could be reassigned.
The impact substitute rule has trimmed Dhoni’s role to a late-order batter facing just a few deliveries, sparking scrutiny over his place. Since CSK’s 2023 title, retirement rumours have persisted, raising questions about whether he is overstaying his welcome at the franchise he built.
Speaking to JioHotstar, de Villiers acknowledged Dhoni’s immense legacy, noting that a brand like his is shaped over the years by fans, not just one individual. Yet he drew a clear line between sentiment and team selection: “I don’t see a role for MS batting at 8 or 9 and not really doing enough,” de Villiers said.
“If he is going to play the role of batting at 8 or 9 and not really captaining, then I just feel he is almost making up a spot and is almost there for the wrong reasons. And that isn’t the position that he deserves to be in,” de Villiers added.
“He (Dhoni) has got to bat himself up to, at the latest, number 6. I would even like to see him at 5 or 4 sometimes,” de Villiers said.
