MS Dhoni worried back injury could affect World Cup fitness

The India wicketkeeper will not take any risks ahead of the showcase tournament and could sit out more games for the Chennai Super Kings

MS Dhoni is ready to skip further Chennai Super Kings games in the Indian Premier League in an effort to ensure his current back problems do not affect his participation in the World Cup.

The former India captain suffered from muscle spasms before the competition and has been managing the problem throughout Chennai's campaign.

Dhoni did however miss the defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad last week, though he returned to face Royal Challengers Bangalore where he scored a fine 84 not out in the losing cause.

This summer's World Cup is expected to be the 37-year-old's last and Dhoni will do everything possible to ensure he is fit to take his place in Virat Kohli's team.

"The back is holding up; it's not getting worse. With the World Cup coming up, can't afford that, because that's too important," he said after the six-wicket win in the return game against the Sunrisers on Tuesday.

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"If it becomes worse, I certainly take some time off; but at this level you play with some niggle or the other, because if you wait to get fully fit, then there will be a gap of five years between two matches."

Despite suffering from the back issue, Dhoni has been in sensational form for the Super Kings, averaging 104.66 with the bat at a strike rate of 137.11.

With the gloves, he has completed nine dismissals including three stumpings while earlier this week he became the first Indian to reach the milestone of 200 sixes in the IPL.

Currently on 203 maximums in the competition's history, only Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers have more than Dhoni.

India named their 15-man squad for the World Cup last week, including their veteran gloveman who is set for his fourth appearance at the tournament.