Credit: BCCI/IPL
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stand-in skipper MS Dhoni skipped a practice session for two days in a row before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 game between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), to be held at iconic Eden Gardens on May 7. Dhoni’s absence from the warm-up session has raised concerns on his fitness. CSK, who are already eliminated from the competition, will look to perturb other teams in the upcoming game and avoid the embarrassing feat of ending their campaign for the first time at the bottom of the tournament.
Before the KKR challenge, CSK bowling coach Eric Simons talked about Dhoni’s unavailability from the practice and confirmed that the 43-year-old will be seen playing in the upcoming match. “Yes, he’s expected to play tomorrow," said Simons while addressing the media ahead of the match. He also added, “With regards to MS, he knows his situation very well. He knows where he is. In terms of his preparations, he always works very hard at the beginning of a tournament and then allows himself to taper off because he gets himself in a space where he’s ready. So no issues, he just knows when he is prepared and when he’s not."
KKR will look to dominate CSK again
Reigning champions KKR will strive to play an aggressive brand of cricket against CSK in Kolkata. Defending champions won their last two games and kept the hopes of qualifying for the playoffs alive. They will look to win their remaining three matches and stun the other teams by reaching the next round.
Before the upcoming game, both Kolkata and Chennai encountered each other at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 11. KKR outplayed CSK in all departments of the game and bagged a comprehensive eight-wicket win.
