Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming explained why MS Dhoni was kept in the final three overs rather than promoted up the batting order after his cameo against Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. After being put to bat, Dhoni arrived at the crease with two overs remaining and CSK on 142/6. Dhoni replicated his Wankhede Stadium magic and made 28 runs in only nine deliveries.
Dhoni's brilliance in the IPL has prompted fans to request that the former CSK captain be promoted up the batting order.
However, Stephen Fleming said that he is still recovering from a knee injury and had undergone surgery in the past. So he still needs some time to recover.
It is inspirational, his batting this season, even in the nets, has been very crisp and the team is not surprised to see what he is doing. His skill level during the pre-season was very high. Other years he had a problem with his knee and he is still recovering, which is why there are only a certain amount of balls he can function well. I think everyone wants to see him for longer as we do but that amount of time is right; we need him for the tournament.
~Fleming said in the post-match press conference
With three fours and two massive sixes, Dhoni caused a wave of yellow to explode in the stands, punishing the LSG pace duo of Yash Thakur and Mohsin Khan.
Every shot that came off Dhoni's bat was met with appreciation from the crowd, which erupted when CSK reached a competitive total of 176.
That 2-3 over cameo, he owns that space, it is up to the rest of the batting unit to get us sort of in a good position where he can push us over the top and he is doing that pretty much every time at the moment, which is great to watch and what an amazing atmosphere when he comes out and entertains. We are incredibly proud of what he has achieved and we marvel at the amount of love that he gets. We are incredibly proud that he is part of our side and he is pretty much the heartbeat of our side.
~Fleming added
Recalling the game, CSK reached 176/6 thanks to Dhoni's cameo and Ravindra Jadeja's undefeated 57.
In response, the opening partnership between captain KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock, which produced 134 runs, guaranteed the hosts an 8-wicket victory.
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