With MS Dhoni recovering from the injury that kept him away from the game, Chennai Super Kings may have some good news to share. However, the experienced player is yet to return to the playing eleven for the Menin Yellows in this season of the competition.
Chennai haven’t had the best start to the season in this edition of the IPL, and fans were eager to see the stalwart gloveman behind the stumps use the tactic to revive his lost form on another occasion, as the Indian great has done it a thousand times before.
Why is MS Dhoni not playing for CSK despite recovering?
The Indian legend is now 44 years old and the game definitely takes its toll on his body. The veteran player was ruled out of the first seven matches of the season due to a calf injury, but has now joined the team in the last two matches and has also been seen in the nets.
However, despite his comeback, MS has not returned to the playing eleven of CSK. On Saturday, head coach Stephen Fleming revealed, “He’s making good progress. He’s on the road to recovery and is doing everything he’s being asked.”
However, as per the latest tips from The Indian Express, the veteran has not played any games yet, as he does not want to upset the combination that has started to settle down in the competition after several games.
If MS Dhoni returns then he will have to take the gloves responsibility in place of Sanju Samson.
If MS Dhoni returns for Chennai Super Kings, he is very unlikely to play as an impact player, which was confirmed by Michael Hussey during his last game against Mumbai Indians. He revealed that if Dhoni returns, he will definitely be seen behind the stumps.
This will force Sanju Samson off the field as Sanju is often not considered one of the best fielders in the outfield. Using Sanju as an impact player reduces CSK’s options to qualify other players depending on their circumstances as per the game.
When Hussey was asked whether Dhoni would keep wickets, he said, “I am sure he will be behind the stumps.” Michael Hussey claimed during the previous game, “The biggest thing is he’s got a calf injury, so just running and hitting one and two when he comes on later in the innings, we just need to make sure the calf is strong enough to cope with that.”
MS Dhoni does not want to replace Karthik Sharma in the eleven.
Sarfaraz Khan has cemented his place at the top of the order, as he now comes into the game in place of Ayush Mhatre after the youngster missed the previous game. Therefore, young player Karthik Sharma returned to the team.
If MS Dhoni returns, he will occupy one of the positions occupied by two young players, Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma, who have not created that many chances despite being bought for Rs 14.2 crore.
After three losses in the beginning, CSK is now back on track with three wins in its last four matches. Their net run-rate has also increased significantly after their big 103-run win over Mumbai Indians. They are back to 5th on the points table and will have a chance to make the playoffs if they win at least five of their next seven matches.
Also read: Shreyas Iyer’s target of 265 runs for Punjab Kings; Complete list of most successful run chases in T20 history
