MS Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, is returning to the field for the 2023 IPL season. The experienced wicketkeeper and batsman has been training with the CSK team in preparation for the competition. Chepauk witnessed a warm welcome for Dhoni as he took to practice, with a video of supporters’ cheers for him going viral on social media. The CSK leader was seen responding to the reception with a folded hand gesture.
Dhoni’s dream of playing in front of the Chennai crowd before finally retiring will come true this season as the IPL returns to a home-and-away format. The 41-year-old had long hoped to have this final opportunity before bowing out of the game.
MS Dhoni and Co. to start their campaign against Gujarat Titans
Last season, CSK had a below-average outing, ending at the second to last position in the standings after taking home victory in only four of their fourteen matches. The situation complicated itself with MS Dhoni’s decision to step down as captain shortly before the commencement of the tournament. The newly appointed leader, Ravindra Jadeja, even-handed the leadership back after a mere eight games. Dhoni was asked to take up the role of a captain again; however, CSK could not turn the tide and end their streak of failure. The team and its fans will hope for a better result this year.
On Friday, March 31st, the Chennai team will go toe-to-toe with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the season’s inaugural match. This game will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
CSK’s squad for the IPL 2023
MS Dhoni (c), Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Subhranshu Senapati, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Chowdhary, Simarjeet Singh, Deepak Chahar, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Matheesa Pathirana, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu, Kyle Jamieson, Ajay Mandal, Bhagath Varma.
