IPL 2024: We're managing his workload, Stephen Fleming comments on MS Dhoni's status in CSK Playing XI

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming has opened up on MSDhoni’sstance in the Playing XI as the defending champions get ready to face Gujarat Titans (GT) on the repeat of lastseason’sIndian Premier League (IPL) final.

Speaking ahead of the contest on Thursday (May 9), Fleming said the team is managing the workload of MS Dhoni, whois setto feature inFriday’smatch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The contest will be in a do-or-die territory for CSKwithmultiple teams involved in a race for a Playoff spot.

Fleming speaks on MSDhoni’sworkload

"We'remanaging his workload,"saysFleming."It'sriskyandwe'veseen that early on in the season with a little bit of muscle injury, that if he bats too long, werun the risk oflosing him. Sowe'retrying to find that balance where he canhave an impact onthe match by just hitting sixes and fours, whichhe'sdone pretty well and keptaswell as some of the best in the competition, if not the best in the competition."

Dhoni will enterFriday’scontest on the back of a golden duck, havingbeen dismissedon the first ball during hisside’swin over Punjab Kings on Sunday. So far in the entire campaign, Dhoni has scored 110 runs in 11 matches with a best of 37. While he has not played too many big innings, his cameos have often made headlines.

Race for IPL 2024 Playoff

CSK will enterFriday’scontest with 12 points from 11 matches and at least need two more wins to reach the IPL 2024 Playoffs. Currently, they are level on points with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, but a better net run rate sees CSK occupy the last Playoff spot.

On the flip side, Gujarat Titans, despite sitting at thebottom of the IPL 2024standings, are not officially eliminated from the race to the Playoff.

However, a defeat at home turf against RuturajGaikwad’smen will officially eliminate GT from the race to the Playoff.