CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress / ITDC News Bhopal: Despite MS Dhoni’s ‘Impactful’ cameos for Chennai Super Kings, there has been a constant discussion about why the former skipper isn’t batting up the order? If his 16-ball unbeaten 37 against Delhi Capitals and four-ball 20 not out against Mumbai Indians were few of the highlights of IPL 2024, Dhoni’s 9-ball 28 not out against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday ignited the million-dollar discussion once again. Even Windies legend Brain Lara felt Dhoni should be asked ‘would you like to bat higher?’
While one would debate Dhoni is 42 and probably playing his final IPL, and wants to give youngsters a chance, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming revealed it’s his knee that isn’t allowing the five-time title-winning captain to bat high up the order.
“It’s inspirational, isn’t it,” Fleming said after CSK’s loss against LSG on Friday. “His batting this year even in training has been very crisp. The team isn’t surprised with what he is doing because his skill level during the pre season was very high. Other years he has obviously had problems with his knee and he is sort of recovering from that which is why there is only a certain amount of balls he can function well.
“I think everyone wants to see him for longer as we do but that amount of time is about right. We need him for the tournament and that 2-3 over cameo he is owning that space. It’s up to the rest of the batting unit to get us to a good position where he can push us over the top. He is doing that pretty much every time at the moment which is great to watch,” he added.