IPL 2019: Need to be careful with my dodgy back ahead of the World Cup, says MS Dhoni

The CSK skipper had taken a break from one of the IPL matches last week.

MS Dhoni | IANS

With the fast-approaching 2019 World Cup, Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has said that he needs to be careful with his dodgy back. In a bid to recover from the back injury, Dhoni had also taken a break from one of the IPL matches last week.

“The back is holding up, it’s not getting worse, with the World Cup coming up, can’t afford that, because that’s too important,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony after CSK’s win over SRH at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.

He also went on to say that at the highest level, there aren’t too many players who play without a niggle or two.

“If it becomes worse, I certainly take some time off but at this level you play with some niggle or the other. Because if you wait to get fully fit, then there will be a gap of five years between two matches,” Dhoni added.

Meanwhile, CSK continued their dominance in the ongoing Indian Premier League as they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 6 wickets to secure their berth in play-off. Chasing 176 to win, Chennai rode on Shane Watson’s 53-ball 96 to overhaul the target with one ball to spare.

Hailing Watson, who was struggling for runs before this knock, Dhoni said: “I think you can give individuals some games and the team gives them the rest. Watson has been a matchwinner for us. He has been batting well in the nets. Whatever small innings he played so far, he was middling them well although he did struggle a bit.

“This is the time when you need to back them. The management’s thinking was to give him as many games as possible. And the team winning also means that a player gets more games than he would actually get. It’s good to see different individuals step up every game,” he further asserted.

CSK will take on Mumbai Indians in their next match at home on Friday (April 26).

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 24 Apr, 2019

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