IPL 2023: “He’s trying to delay coming in to have that impact late in the innings”, Michael Hussey on MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings’ has performed exceedingly well under the leadership of MS Dhoni ever since the Indian premier league commenced in the year 2008. With major ups and downs and after lifting the IPL trophy four times MS Dhoni has had a significant impact on the team as a wicket-keeping batsman and the skipper.

In recent years, the 41-year-old former Indian captain, MS Dhoni has repeatedly demoted himself down the batting order of Chennai Super Kings. MS Dhoni is the second-highest run-getter for Chennai Super Kings after Suresh Raina, despite batting low in the order. MS Dhoni has played the role of a perfect finisher for the team franchise.

Recently in the post-match conference, MS Dhoni revealed that he has told his squad mates to continue to score runs and not make him run between the wickets a lot, as this will not only make his job easier, and will be more efficient for the team as well. The team’s batting coach and former squad member, Michael Hussey recently revealed the reason behind MS Dhoni’s decision.

Michael Hussey on MS Dhoni coming to bat low in the batting order

In the pre-match conference, Chennai Super Kings’ batting coach, Michael Hussey revealed that MS Dhoni doesn’t want to cause more trouble to his already troublesome knee, hence bats low in the order.

“I think it’s pretty clear that he likes to come in the last few overs, that’s his plan. It’s been well-documented that his knee has not been 100 per cent and he’s trying to get through the matches as best as he can throughout the tournament. So, I think, he doesn’t want to come in the 10th, 11th, or 12th over and have to run those quick doubles all the time, that’s going to put pressure on the knee. He’s trying to delay coming in as long as possible and having that impact late in the innings. He shows a lot of backing and faith in the likes of Dube, Jadeja, Rahane and Ambati to do the job before he comes in.” Said Michael Hussey.