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Ahead of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) crucial clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar suggested that the Yellow Army shouldn't take chance by fielding the legendary MS Dhoni in the key clash. Having been sidelined for the entire season so far due to a pre-season calf strain, Dhoni has already missed two weeks of action. Given that he is an IPL-only player, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has not featured in any competitive cricket for a whole year. With CSK's upcoming fixtures against SRH and Gujarat Titans (GT) being absolutely critical to their playoff qualification, it remains to be seen whether management will risk altering their winning combination to include him in the starting lineup.
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I do not think MS would want to disrupt the current combination: Sunil Gavaskar
Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Gavaskar emphasised that Dhoni is ultimately a team man who understands the importance of match fitness. He noted that for high-stakes encounters like these, CSK needs players who have been playing regularly and are in peak match rhythm. Consequently, Gavaskar believes Dhoni would likely choose not to disrupt a settled team dynamic that has already brought the franchise considerable success this season.
"The match against SRH is a crucial one for CSK. It's their last home game at Chepauk, so naturally, fans want to see MS Dhoni play. But he has not featured at all this season. In fact, he has not played competitive cricket for over a year. So, I doubt he would want to take such a risk at this stage. You need players who have been match-fit and playing regularly for the last six weeks. Dhoni is a complete team man. I do not think he would want to disrupt the current combination," Gavaskar said.
"I would be very surprised if he plays against SRH. This is a must-win game for CSK. A victory keeps them alive in the playoff race. They have to win this match at all costs, and bringing in a player who has not played in over a year could be a gamble," he added.
MS Dhoni's practice session leaves fans guessing
Meanwhile, on the eve of the crucial fixture, Dhoni actively participated in a 30- to 40-minute practice session, where he focused on facing both spinners and throwdowns. This intense net session indicates that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter is ramping up his preparations as he nears a potential return to action.
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