Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni skipped practice for the second consecutive day as fans who filled the Eden Gardens to get a glimpse of the legend were left disappointed again.
However, concerns of his availability and fitness was cleared by CSK bowling coach Eric Simons. He confirmed about the wicketkeeper-batter's participation in Wednesday's clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, a must-win outing for the home team.
Simons said the 43-year-old is "fine" and "will play" the game match.
"Yes, he's expected to play tomorrow," said Simons, adding that Dhoni knows how to manage his preparation.
"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," Simons said.
Dhoni is back with the captaincy role after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with an injury. Simons said the transition has been seamless.
"You see MS Dhoni as the cricketer, we always see MS Dhoni as the man who is a remarkable individual. His influence on the team, his ability to nurture Rutu, to nurture young cricketers is what's legendary about him," Simons said.
Simons added that Dhoni's presence makes a difference even when not officially leading.
"His influence is always there. Sure, he now makes the final decisions on movements of fields but his influence -- whether he was captain or not -- was always there without imposing. He doesn't impose himself on anybody.
"He was always an influence, so it was a very smooth transition because of the closeness of his relation with Rutu."
Simons also acknowledged the manner in which Dhoni handled the change in leadership.
"From selection conversations to tactics on the field to taking over from someone like him, what made it easier is the way that MS handles those moments. He's a remarkable man from that perspective, and it's been pretty smooth for him to step into the role again. Rutu is still around, still part of the conversations," Simons said.
The five-time champions were the first team to be eliminated this season after having won just two matches out of 11 so far. However, Simons insisted the side remains fully committed and engaged.
"Absolutely not going through the motions. There's been some really good work done, discussions around individuals and for us as a team. Obviously, we're a franchise that has a rich history of winning and doing particularly well.
"It's obviously not a great place to be in, but it's been a very rewarding place for us to look at it from a different perspective and from a growth of individuals. It's still been a very rewarding period for us."
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Simons said the 43-year-old is "fine" and "will play" the game match.
"Yes, he's expected to play tomorrow," said Simons, adding that Dhoni knows how to manage his preparation.
"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," Simons said.
Dhoni is back with the captaincy role after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with an injury. Simons said the transition has been seamless.
"You see MS Dhoni as the cricketer, we always see MS Dhoni as the man who is a remarkable individual. His influence on the team, his ability to nurture Rutu, to nurture young cricketers is what's legendary about him," Simons said.
Simons added that Dhoni's presence makes a difference even when not officially leading.
"His influence is always there. Sure, he now makes the final decisions on movements of fields but his influence -- whether he was captain or not -- was always there without imposing. He doesn't impose himself on anybody.
"He was always an influence, so it was a very smooth transition because of the closeness of his relation with Rutu."
Simons also acknowledged the manner in which Dhoni handled the change in leadership.
"From selection conversations to tactics on the field to taking over from someone like him, what made it easier is the way that MS handles those moments. He's a remarkable man from that perspective, and it's been pretty smooth for him to step into the role again. Rutu is still around, still part of the conversations," Simons said.
The five-time champions were the first team to be eliminated this season after having won just two matches out of 11 so far. However, Simons insisted the side remains fully committed and engaged.
"Absolutely not going through the motions. There's been some really good work done, discussions around individuals and for us as a team. Obviously, we're a franchise that has a rich history of winning and doing particularly well.
"It's obviously not a great place to be in, but it's been a very rewarding place for us to look at it from a different perspective and from a growth of individuals. It's still been a very rewarding period for us."
