IPL 2020: MS Dhoni is very fit, fresh and ready to go, says Stephen Fleming

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Sneha Roy
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MS Dhoni returns as

Dubai: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming believes captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is fit and mentally fresh, engaged and determined for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 starting from Saturday (September 19). CSK take the field in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, against defending champions Mumbai Indians.

Dhoni last played competitive games in July 2019, India’s World Cup semifinal. He announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15. “It (Dhoni’s training methods) has been no different,” Fleming told CSK’s official website. “He’s very fit and mentally he’s been very engaged and determined. In some ways, the break can work for the experienced and older players that we have. MS is fresh and ready to go.”

CSK were one of the franchises to begin their training session at first, and the only one to hold camp before their departure to UAE. After they arrived in UAE there were various protocols that the franchise had to undergo due to the COVID-19.

Earlier 13 members of CSK including two players Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad tested positive for COVID-19. Though Deepak has recovered but Ruturaj will be unavailable to play the opener as he is yet to clear the two mandatory COVID-19 tests arranged by IPL.

“We didn’t get off to a great start, with some positive Covid-19 cases, but I think we dealt with it very well. We were calm around our approach, looked after the players and staff very well, and the rest of the players were calm in the hotel room. There was a bit of anxiety wanting to get out and train. It is what it is, and the players dealt with it very well. In hindsight, the amount of pre-season training that we’ve done up to now, and the extra few days in the room, was probably a blessing,” Fleming said.

“The first game is always full of anxiety, nerves and excitement, and CSK-MI has added extra excitement and pressure and we enjoy that. We’ve earned the right to play the first game by playing well last year, and given the way the final finished last year, it’s nice to have another crack at MI. They are a very good side and it gives you a good gauge as to how the pre-season has gone and the areas that need improvement. You get a good idea after the first game as to where your team is sitting.”

“We’ve got experienced players, and experienced players identify key times and that’s why they’ve done so well in their careers, that they can turn games, absorb pressure or just sum out the situation. That’s what experience is about and that’s why we value it so highly. And that’s why we’ve been able to get over the line in so many close games because the key player has been one with a lot of experience.”

CSK will be without their vice-captain Suresh Rain and veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh who opted out due to personal reasons. No replacements have been named yet.

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