IPL 2019: Kris Srikkanth Has a Piece of Advice for MS Dhoni Ahead of RCB vs CSK Clash

Former India skipper Kris Srikkanth has praised the team effort of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, he has a word of caution for veteran wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni before an impending game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

In the recently-held match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Dhoni has warmed the bench by nursing a back spasm.

While talking the upcoming 2019 World Cup into consideration, the 1983 World Cup-winning player, Srikkanth wants Dhoni to give himself a rest ahead of Team India’s World Cup campaign.

MS Dhoni is struggling of late:

Pertinently, the multi-nation event will commence from May 30 in England and Wales. India will begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa at Southampton on June 5.

“With the World Cup being the prime focus, I will look at Dhoni resting for one or two more games to ensure his back is completely back to normal. In his own interest and taking into consideration his presence being vital both to CSK and India, Dhoni should not rush back,” Srikkanth wrote in his column for ToI.

So far, the CSK team has bagged 14 points while winning seven matches in nine games. They’re a win away to mathematically qualify for the playoffs race, for the ongoing twelfth edition of the IPL.

The former Chennai-based cricketer Srikkanth has suggested Dhoni – to take his take to regain full fitness before making a return on the field.

MS Dhoni-led CSK had a dream start to the IPL 2019:

It’s the first time since Dhoni has missed a game for the CSK since 2010. In his absence, Suresh Raina led his side before visitors lost the match by six wickets against SRH on 17^th of April, 2019.

Raina soon after the loss maintained they’re hoping to see Dhoni making a return in a next game. However, on Sunday double-header, CSK team is scheduled to take on RCB in Bengaluru.

Based on reasonable grounds, Srikkanth maintained the yellow brigade has one-foot playoffs fixture. He added they’ve their home games to play. He said he doesn’t see any major change on CSK’s behalf regarding the points table.

“For all practical purposes, the defending champions are assured of a playoff spot and with a cluster of home games coming their way. I don’t see them being displaced from the top-two in the table,” Srikkanth added.

In conclusion, he maintained the absence of Dhoni would boost the morale of Virat Kohli-led RCB. He added it’s going to be an exciting clash between two star-studded teams.

“With no Dhoni, Bangalore’s chances do improve. A clash between these two sides always throws up something interesting, irrespective of their standing,” Srikkanth concluded.

Concurrently, RCB are struggling at the bottom of the IPL 2019 points table with four points in nine matches.