MS Dhoni’s Batting Position and Fitness: A Strategic Move or Injury Concern?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming has addressed concerns regarding MS Dhoni’s batting position and fitness after the former India captain batted at No. 9 in the team’s last game against Punjab Kings.
Fleming dismissed any injury concerns, stating that Dhoni’s late entry was a strategic decision based on workload management. “We’ve seen earlier on, when he recovered from knee surgery last year, that there was a certain workload this year that he can manage,” Fleming explained.
The coach emphasized that CSK values Dhoni’s experience and leadership, particularly in the latter stages of the innings. “We want to keep MS Dhoni on the field doing what he does best, which is the last two-three-four overs with the bat, and his keeping and his ability… the sheer technical advice for the new captain is really important.”
However, Fleming acknowledged that Dhoni’s physical limitations require careful consideration. “Physically it’s risky,” he said. “We’ve seen early on in the season, a little bit of muscle injury – if he does bat too long, we run the risk of losing him.”
Fleming clarified that Dhoni’s role is solely as a hitter in the death overs, with his batting number and number of balls faced dependent on the match situation. “There’s no other reason – he had a side strain way back, game three, game four. And we’ve just been nursing that through,” Fleming said.
Despite concerns raised by former cricketers and images of Dhoni walking with an ice pack strapped to his leg, Fleming insisted that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is fit to play. “He can run. It’s just that he isn’t going to bat for a long period of time,” he said. “Keeping is fine. He’s very economical with his movements, so he can keep in his… his hands, his hand-eye [coordination] and speed is as good as anyone.”
With three games remaining in the group stage of IPL 2024, CSK is well-positioned to qualify for the playoffs. Dhoni’s strategic batting position and continued fitness will be crucial to the team’s success.
