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MS Dhoni Travels to Hyderabad, Fitness in Focus Ahead of CSK vs SRH Clash

Chennai Super Kings have posted a video showing captain MS Dhoni traveling with the team to Hyderabad for their upcoming IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His participation remains uncertain as he continues to recover from a calf strain that has kept him out of the tournament so far. Reports indicate Dhoni is yet to bat at full intensity in the nets and has not practiced wicketkeeping during his rehabilitation. Head coach Stephen Fleming emphasized that Dhoni remains a deeply influential figure within the franchise despite his absence from the field.

Key Points: MS Dhoni Travels for CSK vs SRH, Injury Status Unclear

  • Dhoni's travel raises availability questions
  • Still recovering from calf strain
  • Batting only throwdowns in nets
  • CSK aims for third straight win
  • SRH looks to defend home record
2 min read

MS Dhoni leaves for Hyderabad ahead of CSK's IPL clash against SRH

CSK posts video of MS Dhoni traveling to Hyderabad. His availability for the SRH match is uncertain as he recovers from a calf strain.

"It is just a game without him. He is still heavily involved in the side, and his influence remains very strong. - Stephen Fleming"

Hyderabad, April 16

Iconic India and Chennai Super Kings batter MS Dhoni left for Hyderabad ahead of his side's Indian Premier League match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday.

After two back-to-back wins at home, CSK will be aiming to make it three wins in a row, this time away from home, while SRH will be aiming to protect their fortress. SRH has won two of their five matches this season.

Taking to their X handle, CSK posted a video of Dhoni boarding the team bus for a flight to Hyderabad.

However, it is unclear if Dhoni, out of the tournament till yet due to calf strain, will be featuring in the match against SRH. The two-week time frame that CSK specified while announcing Dhoni's injury is over.

Dhoni had a light stint in the nets ahead of his team's clash against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk Stadium.

The 44-year-old is still working his way towards full fitness.

During the nets, as per ESPNCricinfo, Dhoni is yet to bat full tilt and has been facing only throwdowns, particularly from batting coach and ex-CSK teammate Michael Hussey. During the training season, Dhoni also did not practice any wicketkeeping.

The legendary batter had not travelled with his team for their matches previously, neither to Guwahati and Bengaluru for their away games, nor to Chepauk on the match days at home.

Speaking during a pre-match presser before their clash against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) earlier at home, head coach Stephen Fleming had said that Dhoni remains an influential figure within the franchise.

"It is just a game without him. He is still heavily involved in the side, and his influence remains very strong," Fleming had said.

In 278 IPL matches, Dhoni has made 5,439 runs in 242 innings at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 fifties and a best score of 84*. He is the sixth-highest run getter in the tournament history. In last season's wooden spoon finish, Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of over 135, with a best score of 30*.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, they should not rush him. He's 44 and coming back from injury. SRH's batting is explosive this year, we need him fully fit for the crucial matches later. Better to rest him one more game, even if it's a tough away fixture.
A
Aman W
The article says he only faced throwdowns from Hussey and no wicketkeeping practice. That doesn't sound like a player ready for a high-intensity match. It's more of a morale-boosting trip for the squad, I think.
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Sarah B
As a neutral fan, the IPL is just better when MS Dhoni is on the field. That calmness, those last-over finishes... hoping for a speedy recovery! The rivalry with SRH is always fun to watch.
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Vikram M
Fleming's quote says it all: "He is still heavily involved." That's the CSK secret. Even if he doesn't play, his strategic mind is working. But as a fan, my heart wants to see him in yellow, keeping wickets at least for an over or two! 🙏
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the media and fans need to manage expectations. The man is a legend, but he's also human and at the end of his career. Let's appreciate his contributions without putting pressure for him to play every game while injured. His long-term health is more important.

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