In IPL 2024, MS Dhoni has been a finisher for the Chennai Super Kings, generally batting late in the innings and dispatching loose balls with great skill. This season, the veteran has kept up a strike rate of 224.48, scoring 110 runs in nine innings.

While praising Dhoni’s impact, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming noted that managing the veteran player’s workload was challenging because of his age. At 42 years, he is in the twilight years of his career. Addressing Cricbuzz, he stated,

“We are in charge of his workload. We’ve seen early in the season that it’s risky and that if he bats too long, we could lose him due to a little muscle issue. Therefore, don’t undervalue his impact on the squad merely because he is batted ninth.”

“There’s the time component, but we’re very cautious about what he can offer, so we won’t push it to the point where we risk losing him. Thus, it’s a sensitive balance,” Fleming added.

Fleming also mentioned his experience as a captain, saying that he believes Dhoni’s presence benefits newly appointed skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.

“One of our current challenges is that, while we have a capable backup keeper, he is not the same as MS Dhoni. We want to keep MS Dhoni on the field doing what he does best—hitting in the final two, three, or four overs. His keeping and his ability to provide tactical guidance to the new captain are extremely important,” he stated.

CSK have 12 points from 11 games, with six wins and five losses, and is now ranked fourth in the IPL 2024 points standings. They want to make the playoffs and will be trying to keep up their winning ways from the previous three league games. They will clash with GT on Friday.

Related