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Dhoni At No 9 And...? 3 Surprising Tactics By Teams That Got Fans Buzzing In IPL 2025

Abhinav Tyagi

MS Dhoni - (Source:@Johns/X.com)MS Dhoni - (Source:@Johns/X.com)

It has been a week since the start of 18th edition of IPL. It has been an enthralling week with high-octane games and nail-biting thrillers. After the end of one week, RCB are the best side as the Rajat Patidar-led side have won both of their games so far. 

While, it has been an entertaining week, there were several questionable tactics deployed by the teams that got the fans questioning. Tactical blunders are one thing and not getting an explanation for the move is one thing. There were several eyebrow raising tactics that left the fans talking on the social media. Meanwhile, this article will shed light on 3 Surprising Tactics By Teams That Got Fans Buzzing In IPL 2025. 

1. R Ashwin To Bat Above MS Dhoni vs RCB

On Friday, March 28, CSK locked horns against RCB at the Chepauk Stadium. The visitors stunned the Men in Yellow as they handed a 50-runs defeat to Ruturaj Gaikwad and Co. Meanwhile, CSK, while chasing a mammoth total of 197 runs, lost six wickets in 13 overs and the fans got up from their seats to watch MS Dhoni take the strike.

Much to their dismay, R Ashwin was sent ahead of MS Dhoni, when CSK required the former Indian captain the most. Social media was buzzing with memes and the fans were puzzled by that move as he walked to bat at No. 9 for the second time in his career. 

Meanwhile, Dhoni nor Gaikwad provided any explanation over the move. 

2. Jos Buttler Not Opening vs PBKS

Another weird tactic that shook the internet was during PBKS vs GT match at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Notably, Punjab, batting first, put 243 runs on the board. Meanwhile, GT fell 12 runs short of the target and the fans were miffed by GT's decision to not open the innings with Jos Buttler.

Buttler has been a proven opener and won several matches for Rajasthan Royals batting at the top. Ideally, Sai Sudharsan should have batted at No.3, but he was sent to open the innings with Shubman Gill. 

3.Why Is Andre Russell Not Bowling?

The last but the biggest question that has been doing rounds on the internet is why has Andre Russell not been bowling in IPL 2025. It is worth noting that Russell is one of the best all-rounders in the world, but it has come as a surprise that the West Indies star all-rounder has not bowled a single over so far. 

There are no injury concerns and it has been a pure tactical decision by Ajinkya Rahane and KKR's management.