IPL 2023: He knows he is not going to bat for longer time periods, says Stephen Fleming on MS Dhoni's training

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming said skipper MS Dhoni has been training in a certain way, with a strong focus on power-hitting, as he knows he cannot bat for a long period of time, following  their win over DC in the IPL on Wednesday.

During the match, Dhoni was seen struggling and hobbling while running between the wickets. But the former India captain was powerful when at the crease. He scored 20 runs from 9 balls with a four and two sixes.

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“He has (Dhoni) just training a certain way. He knows he is not going to bat for a long time, and we had a lot of batting ahead. So, he has really concentrated on the last three overs. [He] was not as mobile between the wickets today, but he pushed pretty hard,” said Fleming in the post-match press conference.

“So, he has concentrated on pretty strong hitting practice, and you can see the benefits of that. He is just comfortable being able to play around the ground. We know how good a hitter of the ball he is, and his access in certain areas is still very strong. So that cameo again at the end was valuable in a hard-fought 20 overs,” added Fleming.

Also Read:‘Don’t make me run a lot’, CSK skipper MS Dhoni reveals instructing teammates

The former India skipper, who many believe is playing his last IPL season, has batted down the order. He has scored 96 runs in eight innings at an average of 48.00. He has been dismissed only twice this IPL. Dhoni’s highest score this season has been just 32*. He has smashed three fours and 10 sixes this year with a strike rate of 204.25.

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