‘I told them this is my job. Don't make me…’: Dhoni confirms his batting position for CSK with stunning reply to Kartik

MS Dhoni broke silence on his batting position with the Chennai Super Kings during the post-match presentation ceremony after the win over DC.

Chennai Super Kings registered a convincing victory over the Delhi Capitals on Wednesday night to bolster their chances for a play-offs qualification. CSK registered a 27-run win over David Warner's men, which was their seventh win in the season to strengthen its hold on the second spot in the 2023 Indian Premier League. Opting to bat, the Super Kings posted a competitive score of 167/8 on a slow surface and then restricted the visitors to 140/8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

MS Dhoni (IPL)

While no CSK across could reach the 30-run mark, their middle-order made a significant contribution with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni providing the side with a strong finish. Dhoni had arrived at the crease with the side's score at 126/6 in the 17th over; the CSK skipper smashed 20 off just 9 balls, which included two sixes and a four.

Dhoni has played multiple brisk cameos for the Super Kings this season, boasting a brilliant strike rate of 204.26 in the season; he has faced 47 deliveries, scoring 96 runs. Out of those, 72 have come from boundaries (three fours, 10 sixes).

Many former cricketers have urged the CSK captain to promote himself in the batting order but Dhoni, during his post-match interview with Murali Kartik, finally opened up on why he chooses to bat in the lower-order for the side despite his aggressive hitting form. Dhoni revealed that he is specifically practising for the role of a finisher in the innings, and isn't inclined towards building partnerships in the middle.

“That's what my job is, I told them, 'this is what I'm supposed to do. Don't make me run a lot',” Dhoni told Kartik in the post-match presentation ceremony, drawing immense cheer from the crowd present at the stadium.

“It has been working. Others are doing their job, and I've told them that this is what I need to do. So, happy to contribute to whatever deliveries I'm getting. Accordingly, I'm practising also. What I may get in the game is what I actually practice, so it helps me perform,” the CSK captain further said.

CSK have three matches remaining in the season and will be aiming to maintain their position and potentially challenge Gujarat Titans for the top spot. The top-two teams will play the first qualifier - the winner of which ensures a direct entry into the final of the season.