'Managing his workload': CSK head-coach Stephen Fleming provides clarity on MS Dhoni's batting position

Stephen Fleming, the coach of CSK, has allayed MS Dhoni's concerns regarding his injuries. Fleming claims that by using Dhoni lower in the order this IPL season, they are only shielding him.

The Chennai-based franchise will take on the Gujarat Titans in their upcoming match of the Indian Premier League 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium today evening.

MS Dhoni came to bat at the number 9 position during CSK's previous match against Punjab Kings and head-coach Stephen Fleming, while speaking at the pre-match press conference a day ahead of their clash against GT, provided an insight behind Dhoni coming to bat lower down the order.

Fleming said that they're trying to manage his workload and avoid the risk of losing him for the tournament.

"We're managing his workload. It's risky, and we've seen that early on in the season with a little bit of muscle injury, that if he bats too long, we run the risk of losing him. So we're trying to find that balance where he can have an impact on the match by just hitting sixes and fours, which he's done pretty well and keep as well as some of the best in the competition, if not the best in the competition."

"We've said earlier that when he recovered from knee surgery last year, which was quite debilitating for him, there was going to be a certain workload this year that he could manage. Now, one of our challenges is that we've got a good backup keeper, but he's no MS Dhoni and we want to keep MS Dhoni on the field, doing what he does best, which is the last two, three overs, four overs with the bat and his keeping and his ability to share tactical advice with the new captain is really important. So we're valuing some other things," Fleming said while addressing the pre-match press conference.

Currently, CSK are holding fourth place in IPL 2024 standings with 12 points after winning 6 of 11 matches. They have a net run rate of 0.700.