Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni is nursing a knee injury, according to head coach Stephen Fleming, which is hindering his running between the wickets. During Super Kings' unsuccessful chase against Rajasthan Royals at home on Wednesday, Dhoni didn't run at full tilt, which was also the case during Super Kings' intra-squad practice game in the lead-up to the IPL. During Super Kings' pre-season camp in Chennai, he was often spotted wearing a knee cap.
"He is nursing a knee injury, which you can see in some of his movement, which is hindering him somewhat," Fleming said after the game. "But still what you saw today is a great player for us. His fitness has always been very professional."
Despite his knee troubles, Dhoni has been in excellent ball-striking form this season. On Wednesday, he smashed an unbeaten 32 off 17 balls and dragged Super Kings' chase of 176 right down to the last ball. Overall this season, Dhoni has hit 58 runs in three innings at a strike rate of almost 215, including six sixes and two fours. Even at the nets, Dhoni has been regularly launching the ball over the boundaries.
Fleming brushed aside any concerns around Dhoni's fitness and lauded him for the way he manages himself ahead of an IPL season.
"He comes a month before the tournament starts, so he doesn't get the opportunity to do a lot [before that]," Fleming said.