IPL 2023: CSK batting coach Mike Hussey reveals why MS Dhoni bats down the order

New Delhi, May 19: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) assistant coach Mike Hussey has revealed why skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is batting way down the order in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

While fans have wanted to have glimpse of the veteran batting, Dhoni has often walked out to bat at number 7 or 8 so far this season with the likes of Shivam Dube, Amabati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja coming in to bat before the captain.

The talismanic keeper-batter has been nursing a knee injury throughout this season, but has kept wickets despite that in all the games and also played useful cameos towards the end of the innings batting as low as number 8.

Ahead of CSK's crucial match against Delhi Capitals, assistant coach Hussey has said MS Dhoni doesn't want to strain his dodgy knee by running between the wickets and thus bats down the order to provide the final flourish.

"I think it's pretty clear that he likes to come in the last few overs, that's his plan. It's been well documented that his knee has not been a 100 per cent and he's trying to get through the matches as best as he can throughout the tournament," Hussey said.

"So I think, he doesn't want to come in the 10th, 11th or 12th over and have to run those quick doubles all the time, that's going to put pressure on the knee."

"He's trying to delay coming in as long as possible and having that impact late in the innings. He shows a lot of backing and faith in the likes of (Shivam) Dube, (Ravindra) Jadeja, (Ajinkya) Rahane and (Ambati) Rayudu to do the job before he comes in."

Last week in the game against DC, Dhoni was seen limping and struggled to run between the wickets and after CSK's loss against KKR which was their last home game, he did a a lap of honour around the Chepauk with an ice pack strapped around his knee.

The two-time World Cup-winning skipper, who is perhaps playing his last IPL, has enjoyed a lot of support during CSK's away matches. And Hussey has acknowledged the same stating "MS Dhoni is a legen of the game."

"The support we have got is incredibly everywhere, it has blown us away. MS is a legend of the game. It's not everyday you get to play in such an atmosphere, the guys have enjoyed it and in a way it does raise your game," Hussey said.

There has been lot of talk of the seasoned skipper's retirement from the past few seasons. But Hussey feels the veteran batter can continue playing for the next five years.

"He's still batting very well, is still motivated to coming into training and working on his game and hitting the ball well. We've seen he comes late in the innings and finishes things well," Hussey added.

"He's still got the six-hitting ability, while he's enjoying it and is contributing to the team then there is no reason why he can't keep going for maybe another five years."

(With PTI inputs)