(Cricket News) The Indian legend and former CSK skipper MS Dhoni batted at number 9 in the previous game against the PBKS. His batting position has raised a lot of questions and speculations on whether Dhoni is fully fit or is he playing with an injury.
Putting a stop to all the speculation, CSK’s head coach said “We’re managing his workload.” “It’s risky and we’ve seen that early on in the season with a little bit of muscle injury, that if he bats too long, we run the risk of losing him. So we’re trying to find that balance where he can have an impact on the match by just hitting sixes and fours, which he’s done pretty well and keep as well as some of the best in the competition, if not the best in the competition.”
Fleming also ruled out any injury to the legend and said that the management is looking for Dhoni to bat lesser balls and create an impact in his short stay, as he has been doing this season. “So don’t underestimate his influence on the team just because he comes in at number nine. There’s a timing aspect, but we’re very wary of what he can give us and we will max that out, but we don’t want to max it out where we lose him. So it’s a delicate balance,” added Fleming.
Dhoni has been magnificent with the bat in whatever chances he has got this season. He has been scoring at more than 200 this season and has been at his vintage best, which has made the netizens more eager to see him up the order. The CSK and India legend has also been brilliant behind the stumps throughout his campaign.
Harbhajan Singh kicked off a debate about Dhoni’s utility in the Chennai Super Kings setup. “MS Dhoni shouldn’t play if he wants to bat at number 9. Including a fast bowler other than him in the XI is better. He is the decision-maker and has disappointed his team by not coming out to bat,” Harbhajan told Star Sports after the in Dharamsala on May 5.
When asked if Dhoni is nursing an injury Fleming categorically denied it. “I’ve told you, there’s nothing there in terms of small muscle injury ages ago, but it’s only become news now. Yeah, he can run. He’s not going to bat for a long period of time, so finding that point, keeping is fine. He’s very economical with his movement, so he can keep in his hands and his hand-eye [coordination] and speed is as good as any. So no problem with that. We’re just guarding against him, batting for five or six overs, having to sprint every couple of balls. So it’s a specific role that we’re using him for.”
Dhoni is in the last phase of his cricketing career, and his fanbase continues to grow like none other. Every stadium that he goes to play at has turned yellow and has given a lot of love to CSK and MSD. Dhoni batting that low however has not pleased the fans as well as the cricketing experts. However Fleming’s statement has now made it more clear that MS Dhoni will keep on batting for a few balls and that is all that the fans would get to see off him.
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