Irfan Pathan said it broke his heart to see MS Dhoni limping while running between the wickets (Sportspix)
Irfan Pathan revealed that he was ‘heartbroken’ seeing MS Dhoni limping while running between the stumps, whereas earlier he used to run like a cheetah
MS Dhoni is no longer the player he once was, at the age of 41, the Chennai Super Kings captain is battling a knee injury but is still delivering the goods for his beloved Yellow Army. After CSK’s 27-run win over Delhi Capitals at the Chepauk Stadium on Wednesday, former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan got a little emotional seeing the legendary wicketkeeper ‘limping’ while running between the wickets.
Pathan recalled how the former Indian captain used to run like a ‘cheetah’ on the pitch but now that age has caught up with Dhoni, Pathan couldn’t help but reminisce about the glory days of yesteryear.
Given his knee injury, Dhoni has been playing as a finisher for CSK, and against Delhi, the four-time IPL champions were at 126/6 after Khaleel Ahmed dismissed Ambati Rayudu. Dhoni decided to take matters into his own hands and scored 20 runs in only 9 balls.
Read this also IPL 2023: Rinku Singh reveals advice to MS Dhoni, calls CSK skipper ‘best finisher in the world’
Seeing the veteran CSK skipper running between the wickets, it was clear that he was in a lot of trouble due to the injury as he struggled to convert singles into twos. Ultimately, Chennai won the match owing to their brilliant bowling performance as they restricted Delhi Capitals to 140/8.
Pathan couldn’t help but reminisce about the old days when Dhoni was at his peak and took to Twitter to express how heartbroken he was.
“It breaks my heart to see Dhoni limping between the wickets. Saw him running like a cheetah,” wrote Irrfan.
It breaks my heart to see Dhoni limping while running between the wickets. Have seen him run like a cheetah.- Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 10, 2023
Read this also IPL 2023 playoff qualification scenario explained: CSK strengthen hopes of top-two finish; dc all but out
Earlier, CSK coach Stephen Fleming had confirmed that Dhoni was indeed suffering from a knee injury, which is why he refrained from exerting himself even when his team faced Rajasthan Royals in their IPL 2023 campaign. Big runs were needed against.
Despite all his troubles this season, Dhoni continues to be the difference-maker at crucial moments. After leading his side to four IPL titles, CSK are currently sitting second on the IPL 2023 table behind Gujarat Titans, with both sides virtually guaranteed a place in the playoffs.