IPL 2018 | There is pain but I think I will manage, says Dhoni on his back injury

Delhi Daredevils’ bowlers became the latest victims of an in-from Dhoni as the swashbuckling hitter’s unbeaten 51 off 22 balls in the first innings helped CSK post a mammoth target of 211 runs, which Delhi failed to meet by 13 runs. This was Chennai’s sixth win of the tournament as the yellow army sits atop the IPL table with 12 points, level with Sunrisers Hyderabad.  

However, the cramped schedule and regular pressure by the failure of top-order batsmen have frequently asked Dhoni to come and perform on the big stage, which has taken a toll on the 36-year-old’s back. It was this problem that had handed CSK their first defeat against Kings XI Punjab and Dhoni admitted in the post-match press conference that he is still struggling with it.

“Back is bad but nothing much can be done. Because there is no rest period in the middle. I have not been training much because of it. There is a bit of pain but I think I will manage,” said Dhoni.

Starting well with the bat has been a concern for CSK so far. They have experimented with the opening duo but it hasn’t been very successful either. With the results going their way on most occasions, the fault hasn’t surfaced as such but Dhoni admitted that it has been restricting him to promote himself up the order. 

 “It is very important for us to get a good platform and then I can promote myself up the order. It is important for us to get off to a good start and not always in terms of runs but get a good partnership. Then I can promote myself to 4 or 5 and then I have an extra batsman behind me. So, I take the risk when needed 

“If you bat too down the order, you don't know when to go after the bowlers. It is more fun when you go in at the 8th or the 10th over, when the bowler does not know when you are going to go for it and keep him guessing,” he said.

Dhoni said that Faf opening the innings along with Rayudu in the middle makes them a much potent side. Dhoni also stated that their star batsman Rayudu has shown the desire to take any responsibility for the team.  

"Looking at the wicket we thought we needed an overseas batsman. I think Sam needed a bit of a rest. With Faf opening and Rayudu in the middle, it gives more stability to the middle order and the batting order looks stronger. Rayudu can bat anywhere in the order and he is keen to take any responsibility for the team,” said Dhoni

Shardul Thakur, this season, has shown glimpses of his good bowling but nevertheless very inconsistently. And the skipper stated that Shardul would need a break to come back stronger after he was replaced by KM Asif against DD on Monday as he took two wickets for 43. Dhoni also appreciated Lungi Ngidi, revealing that he had a liking for him since their South Tour. 

“We wanted fast bowlers to come in. Shardul has not come good. So, we thought a gap of a few games will help him. Lungi coming in and doing good for us was important because we thought we needed pace on this wicket. He has impressed me right from South Africa. If he keeps coming good it will be good for us,” said Dhoni.