NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni's performance in
IPL 2024
belies any indication of his injury, showcasing a batting prowess that makes it difficult to judge that the former Chennai Super Kings captain is battling an injury.
A fortnight ago concerns loomed over after CSK posted a video on their social media platform X, showing Dhoni visibly limping as he made his way towards the dressing room, sparking deep concern among his fans.
A new video clip has emerged on social media featuring Dhoni among his teammates. The CSK legend was seen taking the support of the side wall momentarily while walking.
CSK bowling consultant Eric Simmons on Monday admitted Dhoni has been struggling with his knee injury but he has battled it bravely while not showing any pain.
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"Everyone else is more interested in his injuries than he is. He's one of the hardest men I've ever come across. I don't even think we know to what extent he may or may not be in pain. He just carries on and does his thing," he said.
"I'm sure there's some niggles. He just has that ability to ignore what it is and do what needs to be done. We're more concerned about his injuries. When I say we, I mean the public (which) is more concerned about his injuries than he is," Simmons added.
Simmons also revealed that Dhoni is the "batting template" for Chennai Super Kings' death bowling, saying that strategies that succeed against him in training sessions tend to work out fine in match situations as well.
Dhoni came out for the final four balls of CSK's innings and smacked the first three for sixes to help the team collect 26 runs off the last over from Mumbai Indians captain
Hardik Pandya
on Sunday night.
His late blitz proved to be the difference as CSK pipped MI by 20 runs to take the third position in the IPL points table.
"They're looking at restricting us to under 200 and then they're suddenly facing 206 with an over like that. Every time - we live close to him - he continues to amaze us. To go out there and hit the first ball like that for six and then continue the way he does.
"But he has been batting exceptionally well in the nets...just another unbelievable MS Dhoni moment," added the South African.
Simmons, the former India bowling coach, said Dhoni as a batter has been the template for CSK to test their bowling skills at the death overs.
"His calmness at the wicket... we use him as a batting template when we're bowling at the death, the pre-season because he's so good at it. If we can test out our theories against him, then we know we're going to do well," he said.
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