“If surgery is advised, it will be completely his call,” says CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan

MS Dhoni will be seeking expert opinion from sports orthopaedics in Mumbai on the state of his dodgy left knee before taking a call on his treatment, Chennai Super Kings’ CEO Kasi Viswanathan said on Wednesday.

Dhoni had played the entire IPL season with a heavily strapped left knee and although he looked absolutely okay while keeping, more often than not he batted as late as No. 8 and didn’t look swift while running between the wickets. After leading the side to their fifth IPL title, though, Dhoni had said he would return for “at least” one more season for the fans, if his body allowed it.

“Yes, it is true that Dhoni will be taking medical advice for his left knee injury and accordingly decide,” Viswanathan told PTI. “If surgery is advised, it can only be ascertained after reports come out, it will be completely his call.”

Is there a possibility that Dhoni will decide against playing next season and thus free up a purse of INR 15 crore for the mini-auction? “Frankly, we are not even thinking along those lines as we haven’t reached that stage,” Viswanathan said. “It will be completely Dhoni’s call. But I can tell you, in CSK, we haven’t entertained those thoughts.”

Asked if the franchise owner N Srinivasan addressed the players after the fifth IPL trophy and if celebrations were in the offing.
“He is very happy but there were no celebrations,” Viswanathan replied. “The players dispersed for their respective destinations from Ahmedabad only. Also if you have seen CSK, we are never big on celebrations.”

Talking about the team’s fifth title, which came despite a spate of injuries to its top players, Viswanathan said: “It’s all about team spirit and every player knowing his role which is very well defined in our set-up.
“Even a player of Ben Stokes’ stature, his nature was brilliant around the group and the youngsters looked up to him. This has been possible because of our captain.”
What has been CSK’s hallmark over the years which enabled them to reach the final in ten of the 14 editions that they have been a part of?

“I have been associated with CSK since season one and we have never deviated from our process. The key has been to keep things simple and explain to every player what is expected of them. In our franchise, the skipper keeps everything uncomplicated.” (Cricinfo)