MS Dhoni doesn’t want to miss games, it’s difficult to get him to rest: CSK batting coach Mike Hussey

It’s very difficult to get MS Dhoni to have rest, admitted Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Mike Hussey ahead of his side’s clash against Mumbai Indians at the Chepauk Stadium. Dhoni has struggled with back problems in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 and had recently confirmed that he would not refrain from taking rest if his stiff back worsens. The CSK skipper had missed his side’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad due to back spasm.

Dhoni has been battling back niggles this season and was seen struggling on the pitch during CSK’s encounter against Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders before pulling out of the Sunrisers game. But Hussey reckoned that Dhoni is keen on playing all the games for CSK despite having confirmed that he will not stress his back with the World Cup in focus.

“Well, you would have to ask Dhoni that question. I think what I know about him is that he doesn’t want to miss any matches. He loves playing for CSK, this place is very close to his heart and he wants to play and do well and wants to see the team have success. So trying to get him to have rest is very difficult,” Hussey told reporters ahead of CSK’s home clash against Mumbai Indians on Friday.

Dhoni has been in fine form for CSK this season with consistent performances with the bat. The skipper has stepped up already on a number of occasions for his side and bailed them out of trouble. He has led the team in eight wins in eleven games this season as the defending champions look set to become the first team to secure a playoffs berth with a win against Mumbai.

Dhoni has amassed 314 runs in ten games for CSK this season at a Bradmanesque average of 104.66. He is the leading run-getter for CSK so far this season and will look to continue his purple patch against Mumbai on Friday.