MS Dhoni looks set to return for Chennai Super Kings when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. That gives CSK a tricky decision: do they change a combination that’s only just started to settle?
Since Dhoni picked up a calf strain, CSK have only managed to win two out of five matches. But lately, they’ve started to find their rhythm. Dhoni did some batting in the nets before the game against Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk, but in the end, they didn’t take a chance on him. Clearly, he’s still working his way back to full fitness.
Even with those lingering questions about his injury, the real dilemma is where Dhoni actually fits in. CSK finally strung together back-to-back wins at home, and honestly, they’re famous for keeping a winning line-up unchanged.
“That’s the thing about CSK—once they start winning, they almost never change anything. Players get a lot of confidence from that kind of support,” said Aaron Finch, former Australia captain, during Rivalry Week on India Today.
Last season, Dhoni, at 44, was under the spotlight for batting way down the order, even when the team really needed his finishing skills. CSK ended up bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 games.
“We saw last year, he kept batting at number eight and was happy to let others go ahead until the very last moment. So maybe, when he does come back, he’ll have a very specific job—maybe as an Impact Player,” Finch added.
Dhoni’s tendency to hold himself back during crunch time became a big talking point last season. The finishing touch that once made him CSK’s go-to guy under pressure slipped. He scored 196 runs in 14 games, striking at 135.17, but at the end of matches, CSK often looked exposed. What used to be their biggest strength—Dhoni’s calm, last-over magic—has turned into a real challenge.
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