IPL 2023: Is CSK skipper MS Dhoni playing with an injured knee? Batting coach Michael Hussey answers

IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings is still in the playoffs race, with MS Dhoni leading the side. However, the legendary skipper might not be 100% fit, as batting coach Michael Hussey has revealed he is playing with a troubled knee.

Image credit: PTI

Four-time former champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stays alive in the playoffs race, as a triumph against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the national capital on Saturday would assure its place in the next round. However, there is a concern regarding CSK's legendary leader MS Dhoni's fitness, as batting coach Michael Hussey has revealed that he might be playing with a troubled knee.

During the pre-match presser on Friday, Hussey revealed, "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 [Shivam] Dube, [Ravindra] Jadeja, [Ajinkya] Rahane, and [Ambati] Rayudu to do the job before he comes in," added Hussey, reports PTI.

Image credit: CSK/Twitter

Dhoni apparently played his final IPL home game in Chennai last week, and speaking about the support he has received in away games, Hussey noted, "The support we have got is incredibly everywhere/ It has blown us away. MS is a legend of the game. It's not every day you get to play in such an atmosphere. The guys have enjoyed it, and in a way, it does raise your game."

Image credit: PTI

When asked about Dhoni's retirement, Hussey affirmed, "He's still batting very well, is still motivated to coming into training and working on his game and hitting the ball well. We've seen he comes late in the innings and finishes things well. He's still got the six-hitting ability. At the same time, he's enjoying it and is contributing to the team. There is no reason why he can't keep going for maybe another five years."