The team is not shocked by MS Dhoni’s performance because of his exceptional preseason performance: Stephen Fleming

MS Dhoni’s recuperation from his knee injury has prevented him from batting for extended periods of time, according to head coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Stephen Fleming. In match number 34 of the present Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday, April 19, the talisman wicketkeeper-batter made a brilliant cameo of 28 not out off nine balls to help CSK end with a flourish against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

In his 28-run knock off only nine balls, the 42-year-old former Indian skipper hammered three fours and two sixes. The reigning champions concluded with 176/6 in their 20 overs at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. But the hosts easily won with eight wickets and an over remaining thanks to half-centuries from KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock, the LSG openers.

Even though Chennai lost the game, fans were praising Dhoni nonstop for his fantastic cameo. With a mind-boggling strike rate of 255.88 and 87 runs from five innings in the 17th season of the IPL, the veteran has been in incredible form and has not yet been removed.

Stephen Fleming stated that since the seasoned player was playing well in the preseason camp, the squad is not shocked by how well he is doing in the 2024 Indian Premier League.

It is motivating, isn’t it? Even in practise this year, he has hit rather nicely. Given his impressive preseason performance, the team is not shocked by what he is doing. There are only so many balls that he can play properly because he has clearly had knee issues in the past and is still healing from them, according to a statement made by Fleming that Cricbuzz cited.

“I believe that everyone wants to see him for a longer period of time, but that’s about right. He is essential to the competition, and in that two to three minute cameo, he owns that space. The rest of the batting group must put us in a situation where he can propel us to victory. It’s amazing to watch him do that almost every time right now,” the former captain of New Zealand continued.

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Chennai stayed third in the points rankings, behind the Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, even after the defeat. Lucknow, meanwhile, is positioned at No. 5. After seven games, both teams have four victories.