The four-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings will face defending champions Gujarat Titans in the opening clash of the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League tonight at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat. MS Dhoni and his men would be looking forward to making a solid comeback, after enduring a forgettable season last year, where they finished ninth in the points table with only four wins and 10 defeats.
While the team will be aiming to put up a consistent show this time, however, ahead of the tournament opener, there is considerable doubt over the availability of legendary captain MS Dhoni. Reports are floating around on the internet, that state Dhoni might not be available for the season opener.
Dhoni felt some discomfort in his left knee. He sustained the injury during a training session in Ahmedabad.
CSK CEO on Dhoni’s availability
In fact, he was reportedly hesitant to bat during the intra-squad practice match on Monday and was seated with a kneecap. When he walked out to bat, he was struggling hard to run and was also limping. As per reports, he was even pausing mid-way and then limping to the crease. He didn’t even don the keeping role during the match.
Meanwhile, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan was asked about Dhoni’s availability for the season opener, and he said:
“As far as I am concerned, the skipper is 100 percent playing. I don’t know about any other development.”
Dhoni can be an impact player?
But if Dhoni misses the season opener on Friday, CSK could turn to Devon Conway to take over wicketkeeping duties and if he doesn’t start, then Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ambati Rayudu are expected to don the role.
There are chances that Dhoni might turn out to be the first-ever impact player of IPL 2023. He can be there on the field as a captain and as a keeper but the batting responsibilities could go to someone else from his side.
