Picture Credit: X/IPL
The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni has been at his best this season. The 42-year-old, who played a quick cameo of nine-ball 28* against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, is the only wicketkeeper to not get dismissed in the ongoing edition of the IPL.
But, seeing his strike rate in the 17th edition of the tournament, there were questions on why CSK and the team management is not sending the stalwart up in the order. On being asked about the same after LSG’s eight-wicket win over, head coach Stephen Fleming explained the reason behind it.
Amount of time is right; we need him for the tournament: Stephen Fleming on MS Dhoni
“It is inspirational, his batting this season, even in the net, has been very crisp and the team is not surprised to see what he is doing. His skill level during the pre-season was very high. Other years he had a problem with his knee and he is still recovering, which is why there are 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 right; we need him for the tournament,” the CSK coach said.
“That 2-3 over cameo, he is owning that pace, it is up to the rest of the batting unit to get us sort of in a good position where he can push us over the top and he is doing that pretty much every time at the moment, which is great to watch and what an amazing atmosphere when he comes out and entertains. We are incredibly proud of what he has achieved, and we marvel at the amount of love that he gets. We are incredibly proud that he is part of our side and he is pretty much the heartbeat of our side,” Fleming further added.
Speaking of MS Dhoni, the 42-year-old has amassed 87 runs from the five innings so far in the IPL 2024. While his highest score of unbeaten 37 came against Delhi Capitals in Vizag, where CSK ended on the losing cause. Moreover, in his five innings at the crease, the wicketkeeper-batter has smashed seven boundaries and eight maximums and has registered a strike rate of 255.88.
The reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will next take on KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 23.