IPL 2023: MS Dhoni heroics against Rajasthan Royals (RR) just came short as Sanju Samson-led side bagged a thrilling last-ball win on Wednesday in Indian Premier League 2023. Following the match at the MS Chidambaram Stadium, coach Stephen Fleming expressed injury concern regarding Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni. While MSD was batting, it was pretty noticeable for viewers that ‘Thala’ was limping hard as he struggled to run between the wickets. However, now CSK CRO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that Dhoni will be available to play against RCB.
“He will play,” confirmed CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan. “It is true that he has an injury to his knee but he has not told us otherwise.” On Wednesday, the franchise felicitated him for leading the side for the 200th occasion.”
“He is nursing a knee injury, which you can see in some of his movements. It’s hindering him somewhat. His fitness has always been very professional. He comes a month before the tournament starts. He’s a great player. We have never doubted him. He’s just amazing,” Fleming said.
Former Australian batter Matthew Hayden who is part of the commentary team also noticed the limping MSD. He claimed he wasn’t aiming to raise any red flags, he believed that since they were host broadcasters, they shouldn’t be setting up misleading expectations for viewers.
Looks like he is carrying the knee injury. MS would not leave a second run and 19.4 ball was an easy 2 for him.
— Ziya (@Ziyab07) April 12, 2023
Stephen Fleming confirms Injury Concerns over MS Dhoni
The limp was also noted on social media, along with praise for MS Dhoni’s incredible 17-ball 32 against Rajasthan Royals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
He will play all games but he can’t take quick doubles like he used to do before (reason for not coming up the order) and this makes us believe this will be his last dance as knee injuries never cures that fast and he ain’t young. So enjoy every bit of MS Dhoni’s presence!
— CS – Cutty Sark (@AJLP78) April 12, 2023
Dhoni was unable to hit a six or a boundary in the final delivery of Sandeep Sharma’s over. CSK required five runs off the game’s final ball and needed 21 from that over.
CSK coach Stephen Fleming on Dhoni in the post-match press conference said: “He is nursing a knee injury, which you can see in some of his movement. It’s hindering him somewhat. His fitness has always been very professional. He comes a month before the tournament starts.”
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MS Dhoni suffered cramp in IPL 2023 opener
This is not the first time that MSD has been spotted in this IPL season, struggling with knee injury.
During the IPL 2023 opener against Gujarat Titans, Dhoni was dealing with cramping in addition to a knee ailment.
The event occurred when CSK pacer Deepak Chahar hit a ball down the leg side in the last moments of the match. The ball was deflected by Rahul Tewatia’s pads as it went towards the line.
Dhoni made a magnificent leap, but it was in vain. And to make matters worse, he seemed to hurt his left leg in the process. A brief interruption in play was required while the CSK physio was called in for treatment.
