MS Dhoni, a Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend, surprised everyone when he came out to bat at No. 9 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Punjab Kings. When Shardul Thakur walked out to bat ahead of Dhoni in the match, many fans and experts were perplexed. Former India cricketers Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh also chastised the wicket-keeper batter for the decision, claiming he shouldn’t even be on the team if he wants to bat so low down the order. However, it has now been reported that Dhoni’s delayed arrival is due to an injury.
According to the Times of India, Dhoni has a muscle injury in his leg that prevents him from running for extended periods of time on the field. As a result, the experienced cricketer is hesitant to bat too early for CSK since he struggles to run between the wickets.
Dhoni was chastised a few games ago for sending back non-striker Daryl Mitchell despite the likelihood of a straightforward double. In the same game, Dhoni was run out, a type of dismissal not commonly associated with the renowned cricketer.
“We are virtually playing with our ‘B’ team; those who are criticizing Dhoni do not understand the sacrifice that he is making for this team,” a source told the report.
According to the source, if Devon Conway, the team’s second wicket-keeper batsman, had been available, Dhoni would have rested him for at least a few matches.
Dhoni is reportedly taking medications before going out on the pitch and limiting his running to avoid aggravating the condition. Though doctors have advised him to rest, Dhoni has no choice but to play.
Even last year, Dhoni had a number of injuries. He had to play numerous matches for CSK in the IPL 2023 despite a knee issue. After the season, Dhoni underwent surgery for the same problem.
CSK has had numerous injury issues this season. Devon Conway has already been ruled out, and Matheesha Pathirana has returned home due to an injury. Even renowned Indian pacer Deepak Chahar is unlikely to return this season because to a leg ailment.
