IPL 2024: Fleming lauds MS Dhoni’s skill-set in pre-season as Mahi turns back clock against LSG

MS Dhoni, once again, thrilled the crowd and billions watching on TV with his whirlwind knock against Lucknow Super Giants on Friday (April 19) in IPL 2024, andCSK’shead coach Stephen Fleming is not surprised by it. Per Fleming, MSDhoni’sbatting during the pre-season training and even during the tournament, with a strike rate of a whopping 255, has been crisp. However, his troubling knee has restricted him from coming earlier despite being in terrific form.

Chennai might have suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Lucknow at Ekana - their second loss in three away contested matches thus far; the fans in attendance witnessed the Dhoni masterclass, who smashed a brilliant unbeaten 28 off nine balls, powering CSK to go past 170 in the first innings.

His brief stay during the last two overs saw him smashthree fours and two sixes, including a monster 101m six to Yash Thakur in the final over.

Watch the Video here –

𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚!

MS Dhoni smacks a 1⃣0⃣1⃣ metre SIX into the stands 💥

Lucknow is treated with an entertaining MSD finish 💛

Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱#TATAIPL | #LSGvCSK | @msdhoni | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/XIT3O43l99 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 19, 2024

Meanwhile, speaking to the media afterCSK’ssecond loss this season, Coach Fleming emphasisedDhoni’scameo, calling it inspirational. He, however, touched upon his troubling knee injury, addressing the concerns around it.

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“It'sinspirational,isn'tit,”Fleming said ofDhoni'sperformances this season.

“His batting this year, even in training, has been very crisp. The teamisn'tsurprised with what he is doing because his skill level during the pre-season was very high. Other years, he has obviously had problems with his knee, and he issort ofrecovering from that, which is why there is only a certain amount of balls he can function well.

“Ithink everyone wants to see him for longer as we do, but that amount of time is about right. We need him for the tournament, and that 2-3 overcameohe is owning that space.It'sup to the rest of the batting unit to get us to a good position where he can push us over the top. He is doing that pretty much every timeat the moment, which is great to watch,”the head coach continued.

Proud of his achievements for India and CSK

MS Dhoni is perhaps thegreatestIndian captain, having won three ICC trophies – the only skipper to do so, and countless ones with Chennai Super Kings. His aura goes beyond the cricketer that he is, and Fleming gets why he receives so much love worldwide. Speaking on the same lines, Fleming said he is proud of Dhoni for what he achieved for his country and this franchise in the IPL.

"What an amazing atmosphere when he comes out and does play and entertain,it'sexhilarating,"Fleming said.

"We are incredibly proud of what he has achieved. We marvel at the amount of love that he gets.It'sno surprise with what he has done with Indian cricket and with CSK with us. We are incredibly proud that he is a part of our side and ispretty muchthe heartbeat of the side. We thoroughly enjoy it. We know we are beneficiaries of the career that he has had and is having. We enjoy every minute of it,”CSK’shead coach added.