Chennai Super Kings' charismatic captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be out of action for 10 days because of an elbow injury and, in his absence, left-hander Suresh Raina will lead the side in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
Dhoni was hit by a rising Shane Bond delivery in yesterday's match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, after which he looked in pain and needed medical attention.
"Dhoni has been diagnosed with an elbow injury and advised 10 days' rest," CSK team manager Russell Radhakrishnan said.
Later, team owner Gurunath Meyappan and director (cricket operation) V B Chandrasekhar said in a statement that Dhoni would return home and in his absence, Parthiv Patel would keep the wickets.
"Dhoni is going back to Ranchi today and will join the squad in Chennai on March 21 (ahead of their home match against Kings XI Punjab). Thankfully there is no fracture it's just a bad bruise," they said.
"In Dhoni's absence, Suresh Raina will lead the side while Parthiv Patel will be the wicketkeeper," added Meyappan and Chandrasekhar.
"Dhoni had taken a blow to his arm from delivery by Bond and on assessment he has been advised rest. He will be assessed further in Chennai on March 21 and further details will be given after that," the statement added.
Dhoni, even after the blow, continued to play and led from the front with a 33-ball 66 not out to lay the platform for his team's comprehensive 55-run win over the hosts.
Later while keeping, Dhoni took a diving catch only to aggravate the bruise and had an x-ray last evening.
Chennai will face Delhi Daredevils in their away match on March 19.
Later, talking to reporters Chandrasekhar said Dhoni will be paid full amount of his match fees.
"We will pay him the full amount. PTI
