Dhoni’s best time is from 15th over onwards: Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming; (right) PBKS’ Rishi Dhawan celebrates MS Dhoni’s (right) wicket. Pics/PTI

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has justified persisting with an out-of-form Ravindra Jadeja at No.6, instead of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, during their 11-run loss to Punjab Kings, saying that the wicketkeeper-batsman's best phase is from the 15th over onwards.

A few days ago, Dhoni, batting at his regular No.7, had scripted a memorable three-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, smashing an unbeaten 28 off just 13 balls.

He could have repeated the act against Punjab at the Wankhede Stadium if he had a few more balls to face.

However, Jadeja, who continues to bat at his No.6, scored an unbeaten 16-ball 21 while Dhoni, who came in later, made 12 off eight. Fleming though insisted it was not a mistake to send Jadeja ahead of Dhoni.

"We lost a wicket [Ruturaj Gaikwad] in the 12th over, pretty close to when we've seen Dhoni come in across the last 13 years, but this was the 12th over. We've had this discussion a lot. Dhoni's best time is from the 15th over onwards, and Jadeja has played some good innings for us from that stage [12th over onwards]. We don't throw that out based on one or two games," Fleming said at the post-match virtual press conference.