Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management has confirmed that captain MS Dhoni will continue to play despite his knee injury. [expander_maker id=”1″ ] While his movements may be restricted, the franchise’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan said that Dhoni has not indicated he will miss games in IPL 2023.

Despite a knee injury hindering him, Dhoni led the team for the 200th time on Wednesday and has been known to continue playing despite not being at 100%. CSK have updated that Ben Stokes, who is recovering from a left toe injury, may need another week to be fully fit to return to action.

The all-rounder is likely to miss at least three more games before possibly returning for the match against Punjab Kings on April 30. Meanwhile, CSK’s spearhead Deepak Chahar will take longer to recover and is hoping to be available in the first week of May.

CSK’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that Dhoni would play despite his injury: “It is true that he has an injury to his knee but he has not told us otherwise.” Dhoni’s knee injury was revealed by coach Stephen Fleming after the team’s match against Rajasthan Royals; “It’s hindering him somewhat,” said Fleming. Despite this, Fleming praised Dhoni’s fitness regime: “His fitness has always been very professional. He comes a month before the tournament starts. He’s a great player. We have never doubted him. He’s just amazing.”

While Dhoni will be available to continue captaining the side, Stokes may still miss three more games, according to CSK officials. Although recovering quickly, the England all-rounder and Test captain will likely require one more week to be fit for the pitch. Stokes is believed to have encountered his issue with a left toe injury while bowling for the team.

“He could even be ready earlier, maybe by the April 27 game,” said the CSK official. The April 27 contest will be a return match against Rajasthan Royals, against whom the Chennai team narrowly lost at Chepauk on Wednesday night. Stokes has played two games, managed scores of 7 and 8, and bowled only one over so far, without much impact.

Although not disclosing the severity of Deepak Chahar’s injury, the management suggests that the player may only be available to play in the first week of May. “He will take longer than Ben to be back in action. Hopefully, he will be ready by the first week of May,” said Viswanathan. Chahar walked off the field after bowling one over against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede last week.

CSK currently has a win-loss record of 2-2 in IPL 2023 and will next play an away game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 17.