IPL2023-MSD not to be part of 1st IPL Match

Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni could miss the IPL 2023 opener against defending champions Gujarat Titans on Friday in Ahmedabad due to a niggle in his left knee.

Meanwhile, earlier on the day, Dhoni was among the nine IPL skippers who attended the captains meet at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma missed the event due to a reported illness. Dhoni has been training hard ahead of the IPL at Chepauk. The 41-year-old looked in prime shape and fittest even at this age.

Based on the report, Dhoni did not bat at nets during CSK’s training session on Thursday. He was seen having a chat with Gujarat Titans mentor Gary Kirsten with whom he won the ODI World Cup in 2011. It is also learnt that a call on Dhoni inclusion in the playing XI will be taken on the match day morning. If Devon Conway is in the playing XI, he might keep wickets.

He was struggling to run and was limping every time he pushed for a two. Meanwhile CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan has dismissed any such report of Dhoni missing the opening game.