Chennai Super Kings secured their sixth victory of the ongoing Indian Premier League season after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 28 runs at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, on May 5. Despite CSK's win, former cricketers and experts raised lots of questions about MS Dhoni's decision to bat at the number 9 spot. CSK were batting first and were standing at 122/6 in the 16th over. Fans were expecting Dhoni to come but instead, Shardul Thakur walked out ahead of him to bat.
MS Dhoni came to bat after seven wickets were down and got dismissed on a golden duck. In this season, MS Dhoni has been coming to bat in the death overs and has played special cameos for the team. According to a report in the Times of India, CSK sources have revealed that MS Dhoni is playing with a muscle tear in his leg and this is the reason he is coming late to bat. The report further suggests that the tear happened earlier this season and with Devon Conway ruled out the former skipper has to play all the matches else he would have taken a break.
"We are virtually playing with our ‘B’ team. Those who are criticizing Dhoni don’t know the sacrifice that he is doing for this team," CSK source was quoted by Times of India.
MS Dhoni’s knee injury
Last season, MS Dhoni suffered a knee injury and played the whole tournament with it. After their fifth title win, he underwent surgery and his knee was completely healed. However, now the muscle tear is not allowing Dhoni to bat and play freely.
CSK’s injury woes
From the start of the season, CSK has been dealing with regular injuries. Their seasoned opener Devon Conway also picked up an injury before the start of the tournament that later ruled him out of the ongoing season completely. CSK’s death over specialist Matheesha Pathirana also suffered a hamstring injury and has returned to his nation Sri Lanka for recovery. In another blow, new ball bowler Deepak Chahar is also unlikely to feature in the remainder of the tournament as he suffered an injury while bowling against the PBKS in Chennai.
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