MS Dhoni ignoring pain, carrying on despite knee injury: CSK coach Eric Simmons

Former CSK captain MS Dhoni, has been a subject of admiration and concern due to his unwavering commitment to the game despite battling a knee injury. Eric Simmons, CSK's bowling consultant, shed light on Dhoni's current situation, revealing the extent of his resilience and determination. Despite the discomfort and potential risks associated with his knee injury, Dhoni has not let it deter his performance or spirit. On a remarkable night against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni's prowess was on full display as he stepped out for the final four balls of CSK's innings. With an extraordinary display of skill and power, he hit the first three balls for sixes, securing a crucial 26 runs off the last over bowled by Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. This late blitz was instrumental in CSK's victory by 20 runs, propelling them to third position in the IPL points table.

"They're looking at restricting us to under 200 and then they're suddenly facing 206 with an over like that. Every time — we live close to him — he continues to amaze us. To go out there and hit the first ball like that for six and then continue the way he does. "But he has been batting



exceptionally well in the nets...just another unbelievable MS Dhoni moment," added the South African.

Simmons, the former India bowling coach, stated that Dhoni's performance as a batter has served as a model for CSK to assess their bowling abilities in the death overs. "His calmness at the wicketâ€æ we use him as a batting template when we're bowling at the death, the pre-season because he's so good at it. If we can test out our theories against him, then we know we're going to do well," he said.

Simmons confessed Dhoni has been fighting with his knee issue, but he has battled it admirably and without exhibiting any pain. "Everyone else is more interested in his injuries than he is. He's one of the hardest men I've ever come across. I don't even think we know to what extent he may or may not be in pain. He just carries on and does his thing," he said.

"I'm sure there's some niggles. He just has that ability to ignore what it is and do what needs to be done. We're more concerned about his injuries. When I say we, I mean the public (which) is more concerned about his injuries than he is," Simmons added.