Four-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be hoping MS Dhoni returns to match fitness for their tantalizing encounter against Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday. Faf du Plessis and company will host the Yellow Brigade in IPL 2023 match No.24 at the legendary M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. On Saturday, hosts Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) at the same stadium in their earlier IPL 2023 match.
Dhoni’s IPL 2023 campaign has been affected by a knee injury he sustained during CSK’s previous encounter against Rajasthan Royals (RR). He is already in the sunset part of his great career. During CSK’s encounter against the 2008 champions, the 41-year-old appeared to suffer while dashing between the wickets. The Yellow Brigade’s talismanic commander is suffering a knee ailment, but he is expected to lead his troops in the forthcoming battle against the Bangalore heavyweights.
Dhoni, considered “the greatest finisher in IPL history,” has been batting at number eight for the four-time champions this season. In the absence of all-rounder Ben Stokes, CSK openers Ruturaj Gaikward and Devon Conway are in fine form, while experienced batter Ajinkya Rahane has somewhat established his place. Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja will all be hoping for big things with the willow in CSK’s forthcoming encounter against RCB. Deepak Chahar, Sisanda Magala, Simarjeet Singh, and Ben Stokes are scheduled to miss the visitors’ away game against Bangalore.
Impact Player
Dhonis’ CSK sit sixth in the IPL 2023 points standings, with two victories and two losses. On matchday 24 of the cash-rich league, a fit Pathirana is likely to replace an injured Magala in the CSK playing XI. If the visitors bowl first, Dhoni and Co. can pick Akash Singh in their squad, with senior batsman Rayudu becoming the Impact Player.
