Here's why Ruturaj Gaikwad collected 'Striker of the match' award on MS Dhoni's behalf after Gujarat Titans clash

In a high-scoring clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MS Dhoni won the 'Striker of the match' despite openers Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill's centuries. Dhoni remained unbeaten for 26 off just 11 balls including one four and three sixes. He scored at a strike rate of 236.36 in CSK's 35-run loss but did not collect the ‘Striker of the match’ award. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad collected on his behalf. Later, Dhoni was seen wearing back support belt in the dressing room. 
 

Photos of Dhoni wearing the belt have gone viral on social media. Amidst criticism around his batting position after he got bowled for a golden duck against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Dhoni walked out to bat at no.8 against GT in the 17th over when Shivam Dube departed for a 13-ball 21 to Mohit Sharma. 

CSK needed 67 runs from 20 balls to win the game. In the 18th over, Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner lost their wickets to Rashid Khan. In the penultimate over, Dhoni hit a six off Mohit out of the four balls he faced. As the win was impossible in the final over from legal deliveries, Dhoni gave the crowd at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, something to cheer for two consecutive sixes off Rashid. He finished the game with a boundary as CSK posted 196/8 in the run chase of 232.
 

The 42-year-old Dhoni has faced 60 balls in the tournament so far. He has scored 136 runs from 12 games at an average of 68. His strike rate is 226.67.

Fleming wants to manage Dhoni’s workload

Earlier, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming had justified why Dhoni is batting down the order.
 

"We've said earlier on that when he recovered from knee surgery last year, which was quite debilitating for him, there was going to be a certain workload this year that he could manage. Now, one of our challenges is that we've got a good backup keeper, but he's no MS Dhoni and we want to keep MS Dhoni on the field, doing what he does best, which is the last two, three overs, four overs with the bat and his keeping and his ability to share tactical advice with the new captain is really important. So we're valuing some other things," he said. 
 

CSK need two wins in two games

CSK are placed fourth on the points table with six wins from 12 games. They need to win their remaining two games to ensure a place in the playoff. CSK will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 12 and May 18 respectively.
 

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