Amid Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) troubles, fans are eagerly waiting for their legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni’s return. Dhoni hasn’t played a game due to calf injury and rehabilitation. The 44-year-old is practising against the throwdown bowlers but there is no word on when he will return. After the defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), CSK batting coach Michael Hussey shared insights on how Dhoni’s preparing for his return.
“He’s progressing nicely with his rehab. And look, I’m a batting coach, and I’m happy with how he’s batting. As you saw yesterday at training, he’s batting well. He was very happy with where his batting is at," Hussey said.
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“He’s just progressing with his running, because obviously he’s going to bat towards the back-end of the innings, he’s going to scurry off to those twos and things like that. So he just needs to get confidence in his running and build that speed up. Look, I don’t know when he’s going to play, but I am hoping it’s sooner rather than later, like all the fans are," he added.
CSK’s injury list gets longer
With Ayush Mhatre suffering a hamstring tear, CSK’s list of injured players has gotten longer. Mhatre is likely to be ruled out for at least three weeks. In the absence of their leading run-scorer, CSK are likely to include Urvil Patel in the side. But, they need a finisher in the side, someone they missed in the run chase against SRH.
Meanwhile, Sports Tak has learnt that Dhoni will take the final call on whether he wants to continue playing considering his fitness issues.
Who will CSK face next?
Dhoni will have plenty of time to ponder about his IPL future. CSK have a long break, will face Mumbai Indians (MI) in their next clash at Wankhede Stadium on April 23.
Currently, CSK are struggling with four losses from six games. They are placed seventh on the points table. Their next opponent MI have struggled to form as well and CSK can take advantage of it.