IPL 2023: “We have no idea”- CSK coach Michael Hussey on MS Dhoni’s retirement plans

Chennai Super Kings' batting coach Michael Hussey also spoke on MS Dhoni's knee injury.

In the midst of the speculation surrounding Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni's retirement from the Indian Premier League after the ongoing IPL 2023, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey has thrown some light ahead of Saturday's match against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, in Delhi.

Dhoni has been a major reason for CSK's overwhelming support in every match, regardless of venue. Even though he only appears briefly on the screen, his name begins to reverberate around the stadium, which is colored yellow in CSK jerseys.

In the pre-match conference, Hussey said that the only person who knows about Dhoni's retirement from IPL is the man himself.

"That is the thing we have not spoken about. Whether he is playing his last IPL or not only he knows. We have no idea. He is hitting sixes and finishing off games. From my point of view as a batting coach, he is still batting really well. He is still motivated to keep coming into the training and working on his game, he is hitting the ball well.

We have seen him lighting up the innings and finishing things off really well. He has still got that six-hitting ability. So, while he is enjoying it and still contributing to the team, then there is no reason why he cannot keep going, maybe for another 5 years (chuckles)... we do not know it is all up to MS,” he said in the pre-match conference, quoted by ANI.

His knee is not in good condition: Michael Hussey on MS Dhoni’s injury

Throughout the IPL, Dhoni has served as a finisher for the final two or three deliveries. He has been bothered by a knee issue, and he claimed that following their triumph over DC, he requested his teammates not to make him run as much.

Dhoni did not even show up for practice on the eve of their key match. Hussey discussed Dhoni's knee injury and why Dhoni avoids going for doubles.

"It is pretty clear he plans to come in the last overs. His knee is not in good condition. He cannot run a lot of doubles as it puts pressure on his knees so he delays," Hussey added.

CSK's qualification hopes are on the line. Shivam Dube in the middle order while Tushar Deshpande will be playing a crucial role in the middle order and in the final overs respectively.