In IPL 2023, CSK captain MS Dhoni has made a conscious decision to bat lower in the lineup, a strategy driven by his knee injury. CSK’s batting coach Mike Hussey has shed light on this choice, revealing that Dhoni is keen on protecting his knee and preventing further damage.
Throughout the IPL 2023 tournament, MS Dhoni has been dealing with a knee injury. Despite this setback, he has taken on the role of wicket-keeper in every game, while making valuable contributions towards the end of the innings, often batting as low as number 8.
During a pre-match press conference prior to CSK’s final league game against Delhi Capitals, Hussey commented, “It’s quite evident that he prefers to come in during the last few overs. We all know about his knee issue, and he’s doing his best to manage it throughout the tournament.
His intention is to delay his entry into the game, particularly in the 10th, 11th, or 12th over, as it would involve running quick doubles and add strain to his knee. Dhoni trusts players like Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ambati Rayudu to handle the responsibility before he steps in.”
MS Dhoni has been vocal about his preference to bat lower down the order. In a post-match presentation, he expressed that he has instructed his teammates not to lose early wickets and avoid making him run excessively, aiming to ease the workload for everyone. During the match against DC, Dhoni’s knee injury was evident as he struggled to take singles and doubles.
Despite his injury, MS Dhoni has made sure to deliver significant contributions with the bat during the death overs for Chennai Super Kings. In matches against LSG and Punjab Kings, he displayed his power-hitting prowess by hitting consecutive sixes off Mark Wood and Sam Curran’s deliveries, respectively.
Currently occupying the second position in the IPL 2023 points table with 7 victories in 13 games, CSK aims to secure a playoff spot by earning two crucial points in their last league game against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
