MS Dhoni not with CSK in Delhi; bowling coach says recovery steadily improving
MS Dhoni has not travelled with Chennai Super Kings for their away fixture against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, bowling coach Eric Simons said on Monday. The former CSK captain is yet to play a game this season due to a calf injury, though Simons noted the 44-year-old is “steadily improving.” Asked for an update ahead of the match, Simons said, “That’s way above my pay grade.
He’s not with us in Delhi, but steadily improving. He’ll be ready when he’s ready, and he knows when he’s ready to play.” Dhoni has been batting in the nets in recent weeks, and—as in previous seasons since his international retirement—speculation over his future continues.
Simons also praised the rise of Anshul Kamboj, who has impressed across phases and is the joint highest wicket-taker with 17 dismissals. He said Kamboj’s progress began last year, with focused work during the domestic season on approach angles to sharpen yorkers and an effective around-the-wicket tactic.
“There’s a lot of nuance to what we’re doing around the wicket that make him particularly effective. He’s picked up wickets and been able to restrict the run rate as well. What it really boils down to is his professionalism and clarity—he’s very clear about his tactics and field settings.
There’s no grey area for him,” Simons said. With four wins from nine matches, CSK enter a must-win stretch over their remaining five league games. They arrive in Delhi after comprehensively beating Mumbai Indians, and Simons insisted the team’s play-off hopes remain intact.
“There has become a bit of a gap between the top four and the rest, but we still have our destiny in our own hands and we do know that we can beat any team in the league. If we keep playing to our potential, there’s no reason why we can’t be on the top of the table.
When we play well, we look really unbeatable,” he said.