Before the action heats up with the IPL 2024 opener at Chepauk, there was a sense of anticipation on friday evening as MS Dhoni stepped into the nets for the first time since joining the Chennai Super Kings training camp ahead of IPL 2024. Sporting his trademark long hair, Dhoni padded up and familiarized himself with the rhythm of hitting balls in the center of the field, capturing the attention of his teammates.
Stepping into Chepauk after a year, one could feel the excitement of Thala! #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/CczaDDktAK
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 9, 2024
Set to make his competitive comeback since clinching the IPL 2023 final, Dhoni will lead Chennai Super Kings against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai on March 22. Following surgery last year to address a persistent knee issue, Dhoni had been undergoing rehabilitation before arriving in Chennai earlier this month to gear up for IPL 2024.
Displaying confidence in the middle, Dhoni’s batting session began with a disciplined approach, as evidenced by a video shared by the Super Kings on Saturday. While not going for extravagant shots, Dhoni exhibited solidity in his drives and pushes. He showcased his sharp reflexes by handling yorkers adeptly as the throwdown specialists tested the 42-year-old captain.
During his practice session, Dhoni kept his cap on while facing spinners, acclimatizing himself to the conditions at Chepauk, which are anticipated to favor spinners during the summer matches.
Before arriving in Chennai, Dhoni had attended the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar earlier in March.
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