Legendary wicketkeeper-batter and former captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MS DhoniAccording to reports, Dhoni is playing with another injury in the ongoing IPL 2024. Last season, Dhoni had played throughout the tournament with a knee injury, which required surgery immediately after CSK’s win in IPL 2024.
However, Dhoni’s knee has now completely healed, but the torn muscle has severely restricted his movements on the ground, which is why he was unable to find a batting order for defending champions CSK in the ongoing IPL 2024.
This update came after fans and the cricket fraternity criticized Dhoni for failing to feature in a 28-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 53rd match of the ongoing IPL 2024 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala , to set the batting order Sunday, May 5th.
MS Dhoni is battling injury in IPL 2024
When CSK had a crucial moment against PBKS when their sixth wicket fell and 122 runs were on the board by the end of the 16th over, the cricket world expected Dhoni to win the ball. However, to everyone’s surprise, Shardul Thakur came out to bat, sparking criticism over the legendary cricketer’s decision to hold back at such a crucial moment.
Even Dhoni’s former India and CSK teammate Harbhajan Singh openly suggested that Dhoni should drop himself from the playing XI and use an additional bowler if he is not ready to bat in such crucial situations.
However, sources close to CSK have now revealed that Dhoni’s decision not to promote himself to the order was not a voluntary decision but had a worrying reason. According to the Times of India, Dhoni has been suffering from a torn muscle in his leg since the trial began IPL 2024 and it does not allow him to run extensively on the field.
Additionally, Devon Conway’s injury-related absence made matters even more complicated. CSK’s second wicketkeeper Conway was ruled out before the tournament due to an injury due to which Dhoni couldn’t even think of taking a break and he is constantly playing in pain.
MS Dhoni makes a big sacrifice for CSK in IPL 2024
He treats his condition with medication and minimizes walking as much as possible. Doctors have advised Dhoni to rest given his injury, but injuries in the CSK camp forced the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman to play regularly in the ongoing IPL 2024 despite the physical ailments.
The 42-year-old is said to completely avoid any running exercises and solely focus on improving his batting skills to hit sixes in his training sessions. A source familiar with the developments was quoted by TOI as saying: “We practically play with our B team. Those who criticize Dhoni don’t know the sacrifices he makes for this team.”
Dhoni has made limited runs during his cameo appearances in the ongoing IPL 2024 but that has only aggravated his injury. However, he remains loyal to CSK and refuses to take a break as he acts as a mentor to new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
This season, Dhoni Gaikwad has offered valuable advice and the legendary cricketer admits that the captaincy of the new CSK captain is still evolving; There are no considerations of removing him from the position even if the defending champions fail to qualify for the playoffs.