Chennai Super Kings captain M.S. Dhoni is struggling with a knee injury that's affecting his running between the wickets, according to head coach Stephen Fleming. The injury was evident during CSK's chase against the Rajasthan Royals, where Dhoni appeared to be in discomfort while taking doubles and didn't run at full speed.
"He is nursing a knee injury, which you can see in some of his movements, which is hindering him somewhat. But still what you saw today is a great player for us. His fitness has always been very professional," said Fleming after their IPL 2023 game.
Despite his injury, Dhoni has been in great form this season, with 58 runs in three innings at a strike rate of almost 215, including six sixes and two fours.
Fleming praised Dhoni for his professionalism and the way he manages himself ahead of an IPL season, saying, "He works his way back into match form and I think you can still see he's playing pretty well. So we never have any doubts about the way he manages himself and he always gets himself up to speed."
CSK has been hit by injuries this season, with the likes of Ben Stokes, Deepak Chahar, Simarjeet Singh, and Mukesh Choudhary having injury issues. Sisanda Magala is the latest addition to the list, leaving the field with a split webbing after bowling only two overs against the Royals.
"We're operating on pretty thin resources. But we're not the only team to have that," said Fleming, adding that they will have to find solutions in the next four days.
CSK lost Chahar to a hamstring injury just one over into their game against Mumbai Indians, and according to Fleming, he's two-three weeks away from returning to action while Simarjeet Singh is still recovering.