MS Dhoni IPL 2023 opening game under doubt as CSK captain is likely to miss match against Gujarat Titans

Ahmedabad, March 30: Chennai Super Kings are set to take on Gujarat Titans in the opening game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday (March 31).

But in a major development and a possible dampener to millions of CSK fans, reports claim that captain MS Dhoni might not feature in the tournament opener against the defending champions as he's not match-fit.

As per an Indian Express report, the former India cricketer has been facing some niggle in his left knee and he's still not feeling completely fit. The CSK captain as well as the team management doesn't want to push it too much as the team doesn't have many wicketkeeping options.

The report further claimed that the legendary cricketer did arrive at the stadium to participate in the practice session but didn't bat in the nets. He, however, was spotted chatting with former India and CSK teammate Ashish Nehra - who is the head coach of Gujarat Titans.

Dhoni was also spotted chatting with former South Africa cricketer and former India head coach Gary Kirsten. Kirsten is the mentor of the Gujarat Titans franchise and he enjoys a good camaraderie with Dhoni.

A decision over Dhoni's availability will be taken on Friday, but the report claimed that the former India captain is most likely to sit out for his work ethic has been pretty clear even during his international cricket days. Dhoni didn't play if he was not completely fit.

Potential Captaincy Options for CSK

New Zealand cricketer Devon Conway might have to perform the wicketkeeping duties should Dhoni decides to give this match a miss. It will also be interesting to see who will be made the acting skipper of CSK in the absence of the 41-year-old cricketer from Jharkhand.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes - who was bought by the franchise for a whopping bid of Rs 16.25 crore at the IPL Auction 2023 - might come out for toss in the opening game in Dhoni's absence. The England Test captain is being deemed as Dhoni's heir once the Ranchi cricketer decides to hang up his boots.

Ravindra Jadeja was stripped of captaincy midway through the previous edition after his, as well as the team's poor performance. The franchise might not go with the senior India all-rounder as the skipper this season.

The team management might also look at Ambati Rayudu - who has been the senior-most player in this CSK squad after Dhoni - as the acting skipper. Senior England all-rounder Moeen Ali - who has been with the side for quite some time and also has a fair bit of experience in leading the national side - could also be an option.

If the team management takes a completely unconventional way, then coach Stephen Fleming might also go with young India cricketer Ruturaj Gaikwad as the captain of the side.

Earlier in the day, a video shared by IPL's Twitter handle showed Dhoni sharing some light moments with the other nine captains of the IPL franchises and posing for the camera along with the IPL trophy.