Follow UsMystery surrounds 43-year-old MS Dhoni as the CSK captain skipped the optional practice session ahead of the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, on May 6 (Tuesday). Since then, the rumour mill has churned out that the right-hander has already played his last IPL clash for the five-time IPL champions.
However, CSK’s bowling coach Eric Simmons has confirmed that Dhoni is ‘expected to play’ for the franchise against KKR.
"Yes, he's expected to play tomorrow," Simons said while speaking to the press in Kolkata on Tuesday.
"With regard to MS, he knows his situation very well. He knows where he is. In terms of his preparations, he always works very hard at the beginning of a tournament and then allows himself to taper off because he gets himself in a space where he's ready.
"So, no issues. He just knows when he is prepared and when he's not."
The speculation around Dhoni’s retirement has been around the corner since CSK’s home loss against Delhi Capitals, when his entire family was around. However, with Gaikwad’s absence due to injury, the franchise hasn’t had any option but to field Dhoni in all the clashes.
"His influence is always there. Sure, he now makes the final decisions on field placements, but his influence - whether he was captain or not - was always there without imposing himself on anybody," Simons said.
"He was always an influence, so it was a very smooth transition because of the closeness of his relationship with Rutu."
Having said that, Simmons did confirm that Gaikwad will get the baton back once he returns.
Simons continued, "From selection conversations to tactics on the field to taking over from someone like him, what made it easier is the way MS handles those moments."
"He's a remarkable man from that perspective, and it's been pretty smooth for him to step into the role again. Ruturaj is still around, still part of the conversations," Simons added.