Reports: Mahendra Singh Dhoni Misses Optional Practice Session Ahead of Delhi Tie

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni gave a miss to the optional training session of the franchise. It took place ahead of the match-day against Delhi Daredevils (DD).

Chennai will look to seal their ninth win of the tournament and make sure they end up in the top two of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) points table.

Interestingly, the report of Dhoni missing the practice session came out in Sportstar. It also added that star players like Suresh Raina, Shane Watson, and Ambati Rayudu were present during the training session under the scorching heat of 35-degree Celsius.

Despite the match being an inconsequential clash, a lot will be at stake for Chennai in particular. A victory will see them leapfrog Hyderabad to the top position in the points table.

CSK will surely want to top of the points table and give themselves an extra chance of qualifying through to the final.

Under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, they will obviously start as outright favourites as a relatively inexperienced side Delhi so far faltered all through the tournament.

Meanwhile, for the Delhi, it will surely be a great opportunity for them to showcase what they are capable of. Delhi has also been giving chances to uncapped players.

Even in the previous clash, players like Junior Dala, Abhishek Sharma and Nepalese bowler Sandeep Lamichane was given a break. Abhishek and Sandeep were both impressive.

The 17-year-old southpaw, Abhishek Sharma scored a breathtaking 43 off 17 deliveries and took on the opposition bowlers with disdain.

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Chance of Manjot Kalra’s debut and a return of Gautam Gambhir

Now, there is a chance of Manjot Kalra making the cut in the playing XI. The stylish southpaw scored a magnificent century against Australia in the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier in the year. He deserves a chance especially because the team has only pride to play for.

It also remains to be seen if Delhi decides to give a match to Jayant Yadav, who is currently a BCCI contracted player.

 

Jayant has been warming the bench all through the tournament. However, the return of Gautam Gambhir also seems possible. He last played an IPL match almost a month ago and being an IPL legend he deserves a chance in the last few inconsequential games.

Delhi is well aware of the fact that whether they win or lose today they will finish at the bottom of the points table which has been the case on several occasions.

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