INDIA: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni, who led his team to a record-equaling fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title just days ago, is set to be admitted to Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai for a series of medical tests relating to a knee injury he has been nursing throughout the IPL 2023 season.
The victorious CSK team defeated the defending champions, Gujarat Titans (GT), by five wickets in a thrilling final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Despite battling the knee injury, Dhoni displayed immense resilience and contributed significantly to his team’s success.
Reports suggest that the veteran wicketkeeper batsman will undergo thorough examinations and tests at Kokilaben Hospital this week to assess the severity of his knee injury. Throughout the IPL season, Dhoni’s knee issue has been evident in his movements on the field.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming had previously acknowledged the hindrance caused by the injury, mentioning it in a press conference following a match against the Rajasthan Royals last month.
Fleming had said, “What you saw (against RR) is a great player for us. His fitness has always been very professional. He (Dhoni) is nursing a knee injury, which you can see in some of his movement, which is hindering him somewhat.”
Even in the last league match of the season, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Dhoni was seen taking a “lap of honour” with an ice pack wrapped around his injured knee.
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan captured a heartwarming moment with Dhoni after the victory over the Delhi Capitals, where the two shared an embrace in the CSK dressing room.
Following CSK’s IPL 2023 title win, Dhoni expressed his desire to continue playing for the franchise in the 2024 season. Addressing the media at the post-match presentation, he said, “If you look around, now is the greatest time to make the retirement announcement. I’ll just say thanks and go; that’s the easy part.”
He further added, “But the difficult task is to put in a nine-month period of hard effort and attempt to play in one more IPL season.” However, given the support I have received from CSK supporters, having them play another season would be a gift.”
The news of Dhoni’s planned hospital admission has raised concerns among CSK fans, who eagerly await updates on the extent of his injury and his recovery process. The fans have shown unwavering support and affection for the charismatic captain, making him an iconic figure in Indian cricket.
As MS Dhoni prepares for a series of medical tests, the cricket fraternity wishes him a speedy recovery, hopeful that he will return stronger and lead CSK with the same tenacity and skill that have defined his illustrious career.
Also Read: Chennai Super Kings Clinch IPL 2023 Title: Complete List of Winners and Individual Awards
