New Delhi: MS Dhoni’s attempt to return to the Indian Premier League has faced an obstacle, as the former CSK captain has experienced a setback with his calf injury, according to head coach Stephen Fleming.
In the post-match press conference following CSK’s defeat to the Gujarat Titans at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Fleming disclosed that Dhoni aggravated his calf injury during a recent warm-up session. “He’s very eager to return,” Fleming remarked about Dhoni’s desire to play.
Fleming cautioned that calf injuries can be particularly tricky. “If he pushes too hard and further injures the calf, he risks being sidelined for an extended period. We took the risk early on, but unfortunately, he tweaked it again in the warm-up game. He has since been focusing on rehabilitation and regaining movement,” Fleming noted after CSK’s eight-wicket loss.
Dhoni Initially Out for Two Weeks
Originally, Dhoni was expected to be out for two weeks due to the injury. While he has been training with the team and traveling for away games, he has not participated on match days. “He’s the best judge on this matter,” Fleming stated. “He’s working closely with the physiotherapist and engaging in intensive rehab. We’re just waiting for further updates, but he is indeed making progress.”
Gaikwad Shares Details of Dhoni’s Injury
In a recent statement, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad provided insights into the circumstances surrounding Dhoni’s injury during pre-season training. “We were engaged in a practice match when he injured his calf, which has limited his ability to run comfortably,” Gaikwad explained.
He added that Dhoni observed younger players during practice and match simulations, which helped him feel more confident about their readiness for IPL competition. “It became a matter of allowing time for recovery. He is gradually on his way back, and while we can’t specify exactly when, we remain optimistic about his return,” Gaikwad concluded.
Also Read: MS Dhoni’s injury update: Reasons for his absence in the GT clash at Chepauk.
