‘Ghayal sher zyada khatarnak hoga’ – Fans react as reports of MS Dhoni missing out on ITL opener against Gujarat surges online
MS Dhoni may miss out on ITL opener (Source: Twitter)
Mahendra Singh Dhoni won’t likely play for Chennai when they face Gujarat in the first game of the Indian T20 League (ITL). The captain of Chennai has been dealing with pain in his left knee. With the team’s lack of available wicketkeepers, it is thought that he is still experiencing some discomfort and is hesitant to exert himself too much.
Watching who captains the team if Dhoni cannot play on Friday will be intriguing. Ben Stokes, regarded as a successor, is battling a personal injury, and Chennai may be considering either Ravindra Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad to take over as captain.
Dhoni did not bat in the nets on Thursday, despite travelling to the Narendra Modi Stadium for the practice session the day before the game. Gary Kirsten, the coach of the Gujarat franchise and Dhoni had a lengthy conversation. Notably, Dhoni won the 2011 50-over World Cup with him as coach of India.
Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ambati Rayudu among wicketkeeping options for Chennai
Those in the know say Dhoni’s availability won’t be decided until Friday, although the odds of him playing are still slim. Chennai would look to Devon Conway to take the gloves because they don’t have a regular wicketkeeper in the lineup. If the New Zealand opener doesn’t start the game, one of Gaikwad or Ambati Rayudu will keep wickets.
About Dhoni, it is known that the 41-year-old has been having problems with his left knee for the past several days. He was initially apprehensive about coming to bat during the intra-squad practice game on Monday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium and was spotted sitting with a kneecap.
Even when he eventually walked out to bat, he had trouble running and could always be seen limping. He even stopped in the middle of a step in several cases before limping to the crease. And he didn’t keep wicket well the entire evening.
Chennai is confident Dhoni can play after a few days of rest, particularly for their opening home game against Lucknow on Monday. If the ailment worsened, Chennai would have to adjust their lineup, particularly their foreign acquisitions with an eye towards a dependable wicketkeeper.
Here’s how fans reacted:
They r just here for engagement dhoni is playing 100%
— Manks (@CosmicSane) March 30, 2023
Bro who keeps Conway or rayudu?
— Harish (@harishshan16) March 30, 2023
Ghayal sher zyada khatarnak hota hai
— Cricket Fan 07 (@Manas_pr_sharma) March 30, 2023
Old age prblms.
— H A L F – E N G I N E E R //Gulambi Stan// (@sparky_chora) March 30, 2023
Wtf cancel the IPL, if this is true
— Gitartha Kalita (@gitartha_k) March 30, 2023
— ND (@imNIK_06) March 30, 2023
https://twitter.com/MahiRainaa/status/1641457985833795585
Rohit PR h bhai, chill pic.twitter.com/AiA99vWBRl
— supremo ` (@hyperKohli) March 30, 2023
