Srinagar: Former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming has brushed aside concerns over CSK skipper MS Dhoni injury after a video went viral showing Dhoni injured during IPL 2023 opening game against Gujarat Titans.
It was Gujarat’s chase of 179 at home when Dhoni, in a bid to stop delivery from Deepak Chahar that had glanced off batter Rahul Tewatia’s pads down the leg side, made full-length dive to his right.
And in his attempt, he landed on his injured knee and soon was seen clutching his leg in pain. The match was soon halted as the phsyio raced in to have a look at it.
Dhoni, however, continued playing, but the sight of that injury left many talking on social media with fans concerned whether the captain would appear in the subsequent matches in the tournament.
“He was always playing. Not sure where that story came from. He was nursing a sore knee throughout the month of pre-season, but today it was just cramps, it wasn’t the knee. He’s not going to be as quick and nimble as he was 15 years ago, but he is still a great leader of the side and, even with the bat, he is still going to play a part. He knows his limitations and he is a valuable player to have on the field. He is a legend,” Fleming said.
Dhoni also played a crucial cameo for CSK, down the order, getting a 7-ball 14 laced with a boundary and a six. However, the four-time winners lost the season opener by 5 wickets.
CSK will play their next match against Lucknow Super Giants at home on April 3.