Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been hit with yet another injury blow ahead of their 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) opener against Gujarat Titans (GT) as skipper MS Dhoni is unlikely to play the tournament opener against Gujarat Titans (GT) at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday (March 31).
According to a report by Indian Express, Dhoni is still struggling with a niggle in his left knee and does not want to risk exaggerating the injury especially with the team short on wicket-keeping options for the season. Many have speculated that the 2023 season will be Dhoni’s last in the IPL and his absence will come as a major blow to not just CSK but also the locals in Ahmedabad, who could miss their last chance to see Dhoni in the flesh.
The same report adds that while Dhoni was present in CSK’s practice session on Thursday (March 30) but he did not bat in the session and a final call is only expected to be taken on the day of the match. The ex-Indian captain was spotted having a long discussion with India’s 2011 World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten. The CSK skipper is expected to be fit for their first home match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) which will mark their return to Chepauk for the first time since 2019.
CSK has not officially named a vice-captain, it remains to be seen, who leads CSK in the tournament opener. Ravindra Jadeja emerges as a natural choice but it is doubtful if CSK will go back to him for the role after his il-fated stint as captain in 2022.
Many have tipped Ben Stokes for the permanent captaincy in the post-Dhoni era and it will be interesting to see if he is given the top job in his debut for the franchise. Stokes himself is nursing an injury and will only play a specialist batter. Young batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is another option for the role.
Similarly, CSK do not have a specicalist Indian wicket-keeper in their squad and Devon Conway is likely to take up the gloves in Dhoni’s absence.
