IPL 2019 | MS Dhoni’s participation against Delhi Capitals will be decided before toss, says Stephen Fleming

MS Dhoni has been the ambassador for fitness throughout his cricket career with his horse-like stamina at the dusk of his playing career stunning many. However, Dhoni has been pretty sick last week and missed a few games for CSK this season due to it. And while fans wait with bated breath to watch their skipper step on the field, head coach Stephen Fleming is playing it close to his chest.

Ahead of CSK's match with Delhi Capitals, Dhoni’s participation has still been as dark as it was two days before the final call would be taken before the toss. Though his health is constantly known to be getting better, he missed Tuesday’s training session and the practice on Monday.  CSK have lost their high-voltage encounter against Mumbai Indians where they had to make significant changes with Fleming clarifying that Dhoni’s absence forced them to make the changes.

"We had a couple of changes forced upon us in the last game, but the performance was not due to the fact that we had made those changes. We are more comfortable going into this game. We have been pretty good, from success-wise, here at Chepauk,” Fleming said, reported PTI.

"Sometimes, just getting jolted out of the rhythm can be a good thing. Coming down the business end of the tournament, there is a lot on the line each game, so we are well aware of getting the selections right. We want to be as consistent as possible. And I don't see that changing," he said. 

Fleming also emphasised on how other players need to pull their socks up if Dhoni is unavailable for the next game. With CSK already making it to the playoffs, it would be a great platform for other players to rediscover their mojo. 

"Yes, we have. Though it's one game, here and there, that can be disruptive. If it's two-three games in a row, you start preparing differently. Dhoni's late pullout last game and also we have other big players who haven't fired yet. That's an exciting aspect for us to work on those players who have got great IPL records up to speed. We can get them firing in the last four games."