In the 2024 Indian Premier League match between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings, MS Dhoni made his debut at bat by selecting the ninth place. Currently, the rationale for this choice is known.
The legend of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) startled everyone by batting at the ninth position when the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 matchup with Punjab Kings took place. Many spectators and analysts were left perplexed when they saw Shardul Thakur enter the game and bat before Dhoni. Former Indian cricket players Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan also took to social media to criticize the wicket-keeper batter’s choice, saying he shouldn’t even be on the team if he wants to bat so low in the order. However, it has now been revealed that Dhoni’s injury is the cause of his postponed arrival.
Dhoni is unable to sprint for extended periods of time on the field due to a muscle rupture in his leg, according to a Times of India story. Because he has trouble running between the wickets, the experienced cricketer is reluctant to bat too early for CSK.
Dhoni came under fire a few games back for benching non-striker Daryl Mitchell when there was a good chance of a straightforward double. Later on in the match, Dhoni was run out, a dismissal that isn’t particularly associated with the great cricket player.
“We’re playing with our ‘B’ team virtually. According to a source cited in the paper, “Those who are criticising Dhoni don’t realise the sacrifice he is making for this team.”
According to the source, Dhoni would have given Devon Conway, the team’s second wicket-keeper batsman, a rest from at least a few matches if he had been available.
According to reports, Dhoni is trying to minimize his running before taking the field in an effort to prevent aggravating the injury. Dhoni has no choice but to play even if the doctors have advised him to rest.
Dhoni had a lot of injury issues in the previous year. Despite having a knee ailment, he was forced to play a lot of matches for CSK in the 2023 Indian Premier League. Dhoni even had surgery for the same issue after the season ended.
This season, CSK has had a lot of injury issues. Due to an injury, Devon Conway has already been ruled out, and Matheesha Pathirana has also returned. Due to a leg ailment, even highly-regarded Indian bowler Deepak Chahar is unlikely to return this season.
