IPL 2024: Dhoni’s match awareness and late charge give CSK “positive vibes” despite their loss.
IPL 2024
When it comes to game awareness, few players are better than the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and this was evident in his first-ever IPL batting appearance, according to head coach of the Chennai Super Kings Stephen Fleming.
If Dhoni hadn’t made an unbeaten 37 off 16 balls at No. 8, CSK’s first loss of the season would have been by more than 20 runs.
Dhoni struck a booming six over the extra-cover area during his cameo against the Delhi Capitals. In the 20th over, he then blasted a one-handed maximum over mid-wicket.
RISHABH PANT IS DISMISSED BY BCCI FOR VIOLATING THE IPL CODE OF CONDUCT
The 42-year-old had knee surgery last year; he last competed for India in 2019.
“It was lovely, didn’t it? In the preseason, he has been performing quite well. He is recovering from a really significant injury. He has been hitting very well. It made us feel good at the end of a challenging day.
“He understands that run rate is crucial to getting within 20 (runs of the target). During the Sunday post-match media conference, the former captain of New Zealand commented, “The way he played was spectacular.”
IPL 2024: Although Dhoni’s return to form as a batsman was encouraging for the Chennai team, there were some doubts about the former captain’s fitness. Following Sunday’s game, Dhoni was seen limping in a video that CSK uploaded on X. No information was available regarding Dhoni’s leg issues, but it wouldn’t be shocking if he had to take a few matches off.
For an IPL player of Dhoni’s age, standing behind the wickets for 20 overs and then sprinting between them while batting is undoubtedly difficult. As Ruturaj Gaikwad has taken over as team captain, he is no longer in charge, therefore it is assumed he can take a nap as necessary.
In any case, with two victories in their last three games, Chennai has appeared to be playing well, so there is no reason for concern right now.
It was their first loss of the season, against Delhi on Sunday. Regarding it, Fleming said, saying, “The outcome on Sunday fairly represents the team’s performance. We started each innings slowly for the first six overs, so we were a little bit off. When we bowled in the first six, we conceded far too many runs.
