IPL-17, LSG vs CSK | Simply owning that space, says Fleming of Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming praises Mahendra Singh Dhoni's limited but impactful batting role in IPL.

His brilliant form notwithstanding, Mahendra Singh Dhoni cannot be promoted in the batting order as his recovery from a knee injury has restricted his ability to wield the willow for long periods, Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming has said.

Called CSK's "heartbeat" by Fleming, Dhoni, 42, gave his team the much-needed impetus with a nine-ball 28 against Lucknow Super Giants here on Friday, one of the few entertaining cameos he has played this season.

The few balls that Dhoni is getting to face in this IPL season, Fleming said he is simply "owning that space".

Hailing Dhoni, Fleming said, “It’s inspirational, isn’t it? His batting this year even in training has been very crisp. The team isn’t surprised with what he is doing because his skill level during the pre-season was very high.”

"Other years he has obviously had problems with his knee and he is sort of recovering from that which is why there is only a certain amount of balls he can function well."

Further opening up on Dhoni's role, Fleming pointed out his 'two-three over' approach.

"I think everyone wants to see him for longer as we do but that amount of time is about right. We need him for the tournament and that 2-3 over cameo he is owning that space.