MS Dhoni Fitness Update: Will CSK Skipper Be Fit In Time For IPL 2024 After Surgery?

MS Dhoni did not miss a single match in the season despite the troubling knee and also brushed away talks of retirement from IPL, hinting that he will take a call on playing in the IPL 2024 in the next few months.

It is very likely that the former India captain will return for another season. But, how is his knee holding up after the surgery? CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has given an update on Dhoni’s rehabilitation and possible timeframe for return to the field.

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo Tamil, Viswanathan has revealed that Dhoni’s knee injury was a struggle for him, and yet he never complained about this to anybody.

CSK CEO Viswanathan said that they never asked if Dhoni wanted to play or rest during the entire season, adding that the skipper would have made it clear well in advance if he was unfit.

“We never asked him things like ‘do you want to play or do you want to sit out?’ If he couldn’t, he would’ve told us straightaway,” Viswanathan said while speaking to ESPNcricinfo.

“We knew it was a struggle for him to play, but his commitment to the team, his leadership and how the team benefits everyone knows. From that perspective, you have to appreciate him. Till the final, he never complained about his knee to anybody.”

The CSK CEO, who was appreciative of the skipper’s commitment, revealed that Dhoni spoke about having a surgery only after the final and, is now happy and recovering.

“Though everyone knew, and you would’ve seen him struggling while running, he never complained even once. After the final, he said, ‘okay, I’ll have a surgery’. He’s finished his surgery, he’s quite happy, he’s recovering,” Viswanathan added.

“Actually, he told us immediately after the final is over he’ll fly to Mumbai, have surgery and go back to Ranchi for rehab.”

After the IPL 2023 final, Dhoni had said that the title-winning moment is the “best time” to announce retirment, but the love and support he has received from fans, made him think about a return for “at least” one more season if his body allowed.

Viswanathan also revealed how Dhoni will go about his rehabilitation process post-surgery and also added that the skipper will anyway not be taking to the field at least until January or February next year.

“After Ruturaj’s wedding, I visited him. It was a courtesy call. He’s quite comfortable. He said he’ll rest for three weeks and then start his rehab. And like he said, he’s not going to play until January-February. We don’t need to remind him about all that,” Viswanathan said.

While there is still a cloud over Dhoni’s involvement next season, Viswanathan said the CSK skipper will inform his decision on his own and will only inform the owner N Srinivasan about his future.

“He knows what to do, how to go about it, so we aren’t going to ask him ‘what are you going to do, how’ etc. He will inform us on his own. Whatever he’s doing, he’ll call first and inform only Mr N Srinivasan, not anyone else,” Viswanathan further added.

“Factually, he’ll be straightforward with him. From him, we’ll get the information that this is what he’s doing. It’s been this way since 2008. That’s how it will continue.”