MS Dhoni Skips Practice Again Before CSK vs KKR Match: “He Knows His Situation Very Well,” Says Coach

Dhoni’s Absence from Training Sessions

Cricket icon MS Dhoni has skipped practice for the second consecutive day ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ crucial Indian Premier League match against Kolkata Knight Riders, disappointing thousands of fans who gathered at Eden Gardens hoping to catch a glimpse of the former India captain. Despite his absence from the training sessions, team management has confirmed that the 43-year-old will participate in Wednesday’s match.

Fans thronging the iconic Eden Gardens venue faced disappointment as Dhoni remained absent from the field during CSK’s preparations, fueling speculation about his fitness and readiness for what could potentially be his final competitive appearance at the hallowed venue. The fixture holds significant importance for the home team, Kolkata Knight Riders, as they push for playoff qualification.

Despite the concerns raised by his absence from training, Chennai Super Kings remains confident in their talismanic leader’s ability to deliver when it matters most, highlighting his experience and unique approach to match preparation.

CSK Coach’s Confidence in Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons addressed concerns about Dhoni’s absence, assuring that the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman is “fine” and “will play” in Wednesday’s encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders. Simons provided valuable insight into Dhoni’s preparation methodology, explaining how the cricket legend manages his workload and readiness for matches.

“With regards to MS, he knows his situation very well. He knows where he is. In terms of his preparations, he always works very hard at the beginning of a tournament and then allows himself to taper off because he gets himself in a space where he’s ready.

So no issues, he just knows when he is prepared and when he’s not.”

— Eric Simons, CSK Bowling Coach

This statement from Simons reflects the trust and autonomy Dhoni enjoys within the CSK setup, where management understands and respects his experience-driven approach to preparation. At 43, Dhoni has evolved a personalized training regimen that accounts for his age, physical condition, and accumulated cricket wisdom.

Potential Eden Gardens Farewell

Wednesday’s match at Eden Gardens carries additional significance as it could potentially mark MS Dhoni’s final competitive appearance at the historic venue. Eden Gardens has been a special ground in Dhoni’s illustrious career, hosting several memorable performances from the legendary captain, including key international matches during his tenure as India’s captain.

The Kolkata venue, one of cricket’s most storied grounds, has always provided a warm reception for Dhoni regardless of which team he represents. Even as an opposition player for CSK, Dhoni enjoys immense popularity among the Kolkata crowd, testament to his pan-Indian appeal that transcends team allegiances.

This potential farewell aspect has heightened interest in an otherwise ordinary fixture, with CSK already eliminated from playoff contention while KKR still pursues qualification. The possibility of seeing Dhoni at Eden Gardens for the last time has created a sense of occasion around the match.

Leadership Transition and Team Dynamics

Dhoni returned to captaincy duties for Chennai Super Kings after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with an injury. This transition back to leadership has been seamless according to Eric Simons, who emphasized Dhoni’s continued influence within the team regardless of his official title.

“You see MS Dhoni as the cricketer, we always see MS Dhoni as the man who is a remarkable individual. His influence on the team, his ability to nurture Rutu, to nurture young cricketers is what’s legendary about him,” Simons explained, highlighting Dhoni’s role as a mentor that extends beyond formal leadership positions.

Simons elaborated on the leadership dynamic, noting that Dhoni’s presence has always been influential: “His influence is always there. Sure, he now makes the final decisions on movements of fields but his influence — whether he was captain or not — was always there without imposing. He doesn’t impose himself on anybody.”

This leadership philosophy has contributed to Chennai Super Kings’ reputation as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, with Dhoni being the central figure in establishing this culture of success and seamless transitions.

CSK’s Season Assessment and Outlook

Despite being the first team eliminated from playoff contention in IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings remains fully committed to their remaining matches according to Eric Simons. The five-time champions have used their unusual position of early elimination as an opportunity for growth and development.

“Absolutely not going through the motions. There’s been some really good work done, discussions around individuals and for us as a team. Obviously, we’re a franchise that has a rich history of winning and doing particularly well,” Simons emphasized, countering any notion that the team might be disengaged following their elimination.

Simons provided additional context about how the team has reframed their challenging season: “It’s obviously not a great place to be in, but it’s been a very rewarding place for us to look at it from a different perspective and from a growth of individuals. It’s still been a very rewarding period for us.”

This professional approach to a disappointing season reflects the culture Dhoni has helped establish at CSK, where maintaining standards and focusing on growth remains paramount regardless of the team’s standing in the tournament.

Dhoni’s Influence Beyond Captaincy

Eric Simons’ comments highlighted the profound impact MS Dhoni has on Chennai Super Kings beyond his formal leadership role. The bowling coach specifically noted how Dhoni’s presence and insight influence team dynamics and decision-making even when he was not the designated captain.

“From selection conversations to tactics on the field to taking over from someone like him, what made it easier is the way that MS handles those moments,” Simons explained, emphasizing Dhoni’s behind-the-scenes contributions to team strategy and player development.

The coach further elaborated on Dhoni’s character and approach: “He’s a remarkable man from that perspective, and it’s been pretty smooth for him to step into the role again. Rutu is still around, still part of the conversations.” This insight reveals how Dhoni has maintained a collaborative approach even after resuming captaincy, ensuring Gaikwad remains involved in leadership discussions despite his injury.

This multifaceted influence explains why Dhoni remains integral to Chennai Super Kings’ identity and operations, extending far beyond his contributions as a player or designated captain. His presence provides stability and continuity through various phases of the team’s evolution.

Dhoni’s Unique Preparation Approach

One of the most insightful aspects of Eric Simons’ comments was his explanation of MS Dhoni’s distinctive approach to tournament preparation. According to the bowling coach, Dhoni follows a specific pattern where he invests heavily in preparation during the early stages of a tournament before tapering his training intensity as the competition progresses.

“In terms of his preparations, he always works very hard at the beginning of a tournament and then allows himself to taper off because he gets himself in a space where he’s ready,” Simons revealed, providing rare insight into Dhoni’s training methodology.

This approach reflects Dhoni’s experience-based understanding of his own body and performance rhythms at age 43. Rather than following conventional daily practice routines, he prioritizes intense early preparation followed by maintenance work, conserving energy and managing physical strain throughout a demanding tournament like the IPL.

This unique preparation approach highlights Dhoni’s evolution as a senior professional who understands his body’s requirements and limitations. It also demonstrates why conventional measures of dedication, such as practice attendance, may not accurately reflect his commitment or readiness.

As Chennai Super Kings prepares for their match against Kolkata Knight Riders, fans can expect MS Dhoni to be present and performing despite his absence from training sessions. His experienced-based preparation approach, along with the potential significance of this Eden Gardens appearance, creates an intriguing subplot for what would otherwise be an end-of-season fixture for the eliminated Chennai team.