MS Dhoni once again skipped practice at Eden Gardens on Tuesday, leaving thousands of eager fans disappointed. This marked the second day in a row that the Chennai Super Kings icon was absent from training. Despite the crowd’s dismay, Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons reassured supporters that Dhoni is fit and ready to play in Wednesday’s crucial Indian Premier League clash against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Simons confirmed that the 43-year-old star, who may be making his final appearance at Eden Gardens, is in good shape.
“He’s expected to play tomorrow,” Simons stated, adding that Dhoni is highly experienced in managing his preparations. “MS is very aware of his condition. He always trains hard early in the tournament and then tapers off as he gets into his rhythm,” Simons explained, emphasizing that there are no concerns about Dhoni’s readiness.
A Smooth Leadership Transition
With regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad sidelined due to injury, Dhoni has resumed captaincy duties seamlessly. Simons praised Dhoni’s leadership and highlighted his role in mentoring younger players.
“We all know Dhoni the cricketer, but more importantly, we see Dhoni the remarkable individual. His guidance, especially to Ruturaj and other young talents, is what sets him apart,” Simons said. Even when not officially captaining, Dhoni’s influence remains significant. “Whether he is the captain or not, his impact is always there—subtle yet powerful,” Simons noted.
The transition back to Dhoni’s leadership was smooth because of his close relationship with Gaikwad. Simons also applauded how Dhoni handled the leadership shift, saying, “From selection meetings to on-field tactics, Dhoni’s approach made the changeover easy. Rutu is still involved and part of the strategic discussions.”
CSK’s Spirit Remains Strong
Although Chennai Super Kings were the first team to be eliminated from this season’s IPL, Simons stressed that the squad remains fully committed. “We are definitely not just going through the motions,” he insisted. “There’s been excellent work done, with thoughtful discussions about individual and team improvements.”
Simons acknowledged the disappointment of not progressing further but emphasized that the team has used this period for growth and development. “This franchise has a proud history of success, and while it’s not ideal to be in this position, we’ve taken it as a chance to build and reflect,” Simons concluded, highlighting the team’s dedication and resilience despite the setbacks.
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