MS Dhoni arrives at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai for the CSK-LSG match.©Twitter
MS Dhoni received a rousing reception when the veteran wicket-keeper batsman returned to Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium after almost three years. With the participation of the Indian Premier League in various parts of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faithful were unable to see “Thala” in action. However, with CSK facing Lucknow Super Giants in their first home match of IPL 2023, Dhoni reacted massively and every move of his was applauded during the coin toss. Shouts of “Dhoni, Dhoni” filled the entire stadium and even he couldn’t help but smile at the reception.
“It means a lot to be back here. IPL started in 2008 but we haven’t played much cricket here. We’ve only been here for about 5-6 seasons. This is the first time the full stadium will be operational. a few stands were empty before. Really happy to be able to play all our home games here at Chepauk means a lot. Same squad for this game. Need to keep assessing our situation and reviewing our goals, keep a realistic goal in mind and take it from there,’ Dhoni said at the toss.
Watch: Crowds erupt as MS Dhoni returns to Chepauk after more than 1,000 days
Thala returns to his lair pic.twitter.com/p1XRIcwOZB
— . (@vineeth_777) April 3, 2023
The last match CSK played at ‘Chepauk’ Stadium was in May 2019.
CSK have played 56 matches in their home venue winning 40, losing 15 where one match has been drawn. It has been a long wait for the CSK team and their fans to paint the stadium yellow.
The Chepauk stadium is considered an aid to spinners and the wicket appears to have a slight twist. Skipper Dhoni did not use Moeen Ali as a bowling option in the previous match, but he could prove useful in this match.
CSK lost the opening game of the season and they are looking for their first win in the encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Gujarat Titans defeated CSK in the opening match of the 2023 IPL by five wickets. In the last encounter between the two sides during IPL 2022, LSG emerged victorious, beating CSK by six wickets.
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