Picture Credit: X/IPL
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 10 in match 59 of IPL 2024. While the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side are comfortably placed in the top half of the points table with their playoff chances still there. The side will come into this fixture on the back of a 28-run win over the Punjab Kings.
In the match against PBKS, despite a much-needed win, what caught the eyeballs was MS Dhoni coming down to bat at No. 9. While several former cricketers and pundits called out this move, a CSK source later confirmed that Dhoni is playing despite a muscle tear. But ahead of their next match, where they will take on GT, Head Coach Stephen Fleming opened up on Dhoni’s injury. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Fleming said that people should not underestimate Dhoni’s influence on the Yellow Army.
“Like just hitting sixes and fours, which he has done pretty well. And keep as well as some of the best in the competition if not the best in the competition. So don’t underestimate his influence on the team just because he comes in at No. 9. There’s a timing aspect, but we’re very wary of what he can give us. And we’ll max that that out,” Fleming was quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“But we don’t want to max that out where we lose him. So it’s a delicate balance, but trust me, his best interest is with us, and his interest [is] in performing well for us is still very high,” he further added while confirming that “he’s okay”.
Speaking of the reigning champions, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side is placed fourth in the points table. They have won six and have lost five games so far from 11 matches, keeping them in contention for the IPL 2024 playoffs.
