Dhoni might miss the match against Delhi Capitals: Details here
The IPL 2019 has reached its business end as defending champions Chennai Super Kings are all set to take on Delhi Capitals. The clash of the table-toppers would take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday. However, it is not sure if CSK's regular skipper MS Dhoni would be playing in this tie, due to his health. Here are the details.
Dhoni had missed the game against Mumbai
Notably, Dhoni had missed the previous match against Mumbai Indians, as he was down with fever. Suresh Raina led the side, as they succumbed to a 46-run defeat. The loss didn't hamper CSK's campaign as they have already secured the play-offs berth. However, the defeat did push them down to the second position, while Delhi continued their glorious run to rise atop.
Stephen Fleming says Dhoni's health is progressing
Stephen Fleming said, "We will make a call on him tomorrow. He is progressing which is good. We had a couple of changes forced upon us in the last game, but the performance was not due to the fact that we had made those changes."
Fleming confident of filling the gap if Dhoni misses out
Fleming, CSK's coach, added that the team had a discussion as to how to fill in Dhoni's void. He also said that since it would be just for a game, it is not a headache. "If it's two-three games in a row, you start preparing differently," he added. Notably, Dhoni had also missed a game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Defeat against Mumbai a wake-up call for Chennai
Fleming, however, warned CSK that the defeat against Mumbai was indeed a wake-up call for them. Fleming believes that since there is a lot on the line for the other teams, they would be coming out all guns blazing. Thus, CSK need to deliver a great show, while also getting their Playing XI right. "We want to be as consistent as possible," said Fleming.
Other players need to step up if Dhoni misses out
"While missing someone like Dhoni, you can't pretend that you have a replacement for him. That would be wrong. We haven't over-analyzed it. It's very simple; if Dhoni's not playing other players need to step up," Fleming further voiced.
Dhoni and CSK eye top two finish
CSK are preparing to face an in-form Delhi, with or without Dhoni. However, the thing they would be eyeing the most, as of now, is a top-two finish. Dhoni and his boys are fighting for their fourth title, which would make them the most successful franchise in the history. Following the IPL, Dhoni would switch focus to the ICC World Cup, starting May 30.
