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The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team and their legendary skipper MS Dhoni are back home for the last time in IPL 2023 as they prepare to take on defending champions and table-toppers Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. Are. , A win for either of the two teams will directly take them to the final of IPL 2023 on Sunday.
It has been a remarkable journey for Dhoni, who battled a knee injury from the very first day of the tournament but guided his team to the play-off stage once again after finishing bottom of the table last season. In fact, Dhoni-led CSK have 9 wins in their 12 matches – the most by any team in IPL 2023, while GT is the best 4 times and second.
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey revealed after their last match against Delhi Capitals, in which Dhoni’s team won comprehensively to book their playoff berth, that their skipper is on his toes when it comes to fitness. Not at 100% and ‘managing’ himself.
“His (MS Dhoni) knee is not 100% at the moment, so he is handling himself, coming out to bat in the last 2-3 overs. He hasn’t been able to run like in his heyday, but he is doing things right and hitting the ball really well,” Hussey said.
Sporting #Yellow With knee pain for the fans and the franchisee!
Running to the dressing room to apply an ice pack and not showing pain on your face. Vera Level Thala!
We know you can contribute in 2024 too. please keep in mind! #Dhoni #M S Dhoni #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/BWGUmQgZQl– Whistlepodu Army _ – CSK Fan Club (@CSKFansOfficial) May 19, 2023
CSK openers Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad said that Dhoni’s knee is fine and they want to see their captain play for the team for at least five more years. He has played a lot of cricket and he is respected a lot. If a person of that magnitude has your backing and you know he believes in you then it gives you a lot of confidence as a player,” Conway said along with his opening partner Gaikwad in a video posted by the IPL. told.
“We are very fortunate to have Mahi Bhai in our group. Hopefully, this isn’t his last season. He has got at least five years in that. His knee is absolutely fine.
Dhoni has been battling knee problems for almost the entire season, and has often been seen with a bandage or ice pack on his knee. While there were rumors that this could be Dhoni’s last IPL season, the CSK skipper has made it possible that he will make a comeback for IPL 2024.
The CSK skipper has a strike-rate of 190.74 in IPL 2023 and averages over 50 this season, coming late in the batting order. It remains to be seen whether Dhoni will be able to take himself and his team over the line for two more matches and lead CSK to a fifth IPL title.
