On Wednesday, Chennai Super Kings came very close to a heroic victory over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League 2023 match. MS Dhoni remained unbeaten until the end, but with 5 runs needed from the final delivery to win the match, the 'Thala' couldn't despatch the ball to the boundary.
As a result, Rajasthan won by three runs. However, following the game, CSK coach Stephen Fleming said that Dhoni is suffering from a knee injury. Dhoni looked in fine form as he hit some sixes, particularly against spinners. Dhoni hit 32 off 17 balls, including one boundary and three sixes, and formed an important partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, who scored 25 off 15 balls.
Speaking of Dhoni, Fleming said that the franchise captain is suffering from a knee issue but was still able to perform admirably in the middle. "He is nursing a knee injury, which you can see in some of his movements. It's hindering him somewhat. His fitness has always been very professional. He comes a month before the tournament starts. He's a great player. We have never doubts over him. He's just amazing," Fleming said in the press conference.
Magala's hand was split: Stephen Fleming
While it has been confirmed that Dhoni is injured, Fleming did not rule out the possibility of Dhoni playing in the upcoming CSK games. Chennai will also be without bowler Sisanda Magala for a few weeks, according to Fleming.
"Magala's hand was split, unfortunately, so he was unable to bowl those last two overs. And same with Deepak Chahar in the last game, so we're operating on pretty thin resources. But we're not the only team to have that." "I think a lot of players coming out of a big domestic season are a little bit broken, but we just keep having to find solutions," Fleming said.
"So we'll do that in the next four days. But, yeah, it's not ideal yet. The captain has to then think on his feet (if bowlers keep getting injured). Moeen Ali had to come back (after Magala hurt his webbing), and he hadn't had a great day but he got the wicket of (Jos) Buttler which was good.
"And you've got young players like Akash (Singh) who is coming in for his first game, having to bowl some key overs. It's not how we plan, but T20 very rarely goes to plan," the CSK coach added.
Here is how Twitter reacted
He's in pain since the first match. 🥲
— Mohan Vel (@Mohan_Velu) April 13, 2023
Difference between having buffalo milk and packaged milk😃
— sirprashm (@sirprashm) April 13, 2023
GOAT for a reason
— Vardan Agarwal🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@Vardana23483151) April 13, 2023
Recover early we have 4 days till next match
We will come stronger and bash RCB 🫡🫡
He is giving everything for his team at the age of 41 man hatsoff!! Legend !!hope he recovers very well the next season
— Srile (@Srile9) April 13, 2023
— Anirban Ghoshᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠ (@Anirban_Ghosh_) April 13, 2023
Other players after playing two matches getting injured & Ruled out. Then there is Ms dhoni who is playing with pain.
— Shakti Man 💥 (@IamShaktiMann) April 13, 2023
MS Dhoni to Chahar & Bumrah ;) pic.twitter.com/qjUhvVz6su
Uv played for the country while suffering from cancer , pic.twitter.com/JAXCNXpH4X
— Trimurthulu Jakka (@T_r_i__) April 13, 2023
Langada kr kyu chl rha hai yeh
— Front Foot 🦶🏏 (@frontfoot73) April 13, 2023
He would have taken those doubles easily, had his knee being alright! Csk would have won the match! Hard luck, but just amazing commitment from this guy!
— रजत Jain (@rbainara) April 13, 2023
He Not Even Run Doubles Last Night And Some Easy Single Also😭
— ICON OP (@ICON208) April 13, 2023