IPL 2024: MS Dhoni batting down the order for CSK due to injury – Reports

MS Dhoni has been batting at No. 8 and striking big sixes in death overs in the ongoing IPL 2024.

MS Dhoni, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, has been in tremendous form with the bat and the keeping gloves in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The CSK star is finding the fence in regular intervals and scoring at a rapid rate.

There has been a lot of talk about Dhoni batting low for CSK, but the argument heated up when he came out to bat at No. 9 against Punjab Kings on Sunday and was bowled first. Former Indian cricketers like Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan slammed the cricketer for the move.

As for him, he has been smashing sixes in the death overs in IPL 2024 for a strike rate of 224.49, although his last outing against PBKS ended with a golden duck.

However, now in what can come as a shock for MS Dhoni and CSK fans, the cricketer batting at No. 8 and 9 is not a strategic move on part of the CSK management. But the cricketer is reportedly suffering from a muscle tear in his leg, hampering his movements.    

MS Dhoni ignored doctor’s advice to rest and continued to play despite discomfort

According to a report in the Times of India, not choosing to come up the order is more of a compulsion for Dhoni.

MS Dhoni suffered the injury early in the IPL 2024, and with CSK’s backup keeper, New Zealand’s Devon Conway unavailable due to a broken thumb, the veteran cricketer is forced to continue playing with no other backup keeper in the squad.

“We are virtually playing with our ‘B’ team. Those who are criticizing Dhoni do not know the sacrifice he is doing for this team. He is giving his best and we believe we will go much beyond just making the playoffs,” the source told TOI.

Doctors have advised Dhoni to relax, but the wicket-keeper batsman has no choice because Chennai have already suffered several injuries. During practice, Dhoni does no running at all, and his whole preparation is around smashing massive sixes.

The sprinting between the wickets that Dhoni has been forced to do during his cameos is only aggravating the ailment, but he refuses to take a rest.

CSK got a break after their previous match against the Punjab Kings, and they will play their next match against the Gujarat Titans on May 10 in Ahmedabad.

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