'Dhoni Played IPL On One Leg' - Former Indian Cricketer Hails CSK Captain


image-lifmeb6iDhoni was seen limping on the field several times | Source - AP Photo

Chennai Super Kings, led by MS Dhoni, clinched their fifth IPL title, beating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 final, thus equalling Mumbai Indians' tally of trophies. 

Throughout the season, the sole worry of CSK fans revolved around whether MS Dhoni would make a comeback for the next season, considering his physical state, especially the nagging knee injury that often left him limping during matches. 

Following the conclusion of the season, MS Dhoni travelled directly from Ahmedabad to Mumbai to seek consultation with renowned sports orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, who is also on the BCCI medical panel and had performed surgeries on a number of top Indian cricketers, including Rishabh Pant.

Following that, MS Dhoni underwent a knee surgery at Mumbai's Kokilaben Hospital, which was deemed successful, as confirmed by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, who in his statement to PTI, said: 

"Yes, Dhoni has had a successful knee surgery at the Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai on Thursday. He is doing fine and the surgery happened in the morning. I don't have the details. I am yet to get all the details about the nature of the surgery and other things."

Reacting to the news of surgery on Dhoni's knee, former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, who is known to be an ardent CSK fan, showered praise on the legendary captain for his grit and determination. 

Calling Dhoni a "champion" Sivaramakrishnan said Dhoni played the entire season on "one leg" and did not let the pain get in the way of his "clarity of thoughts". 

"MS Dhoni went through a knee surgery today, it was successful. True Leader, playing with one leg. No pain no gain. The agonising pain did not affect his clarity of thoughts. Amazing how he was able to lead a side with so much pain. His mindset is of a warrior. Champion for life."

Later on, bringing relief to Chennai Super Kings fans, MS Dhoni confirmed his return for the next season as a special token and gift to the fans who wholeheartedly supported him during the IPL 2023 season. However, he emphasised that his comeback would be subject to his fitness and physical health.