IPL 2023: MS Dhoni led CSK take on GT in season opener on Friday© BCCI
March 31 will be a momentous moment for many fans as the day not only marks the start of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, but Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni will also return to action on the pitch. As the upcoming edition of IPL has brought back the concept of home and away games, which was previously discontinued due to Covid-19, the public will see MS Dhoni back at CSK’s fortress, Chepauk. The four-time IPL champions take on defending champions Gujarat Titans in the season opener on Friday and preparations for the highly anticipated clash have begun with Dhoni sweating it out in the nets at Chepauk.
CSK recently posted a video of the crowd welcoming the former Indian skipper to the training ground with wild cheers and chants of Dhoni’s name. When the video went viral on social media, former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris retweeted it with a stunning caption.
“Still the big dog in town!!” Styris, who was also part of CSK’s squad in 2011, captioned the post.
Still the big dog in town!! https://t.co/aDy8dInlIn
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) March 27, 2023
Dhoni is the only full-time captain the Super Kings have had in their stint, with the exception of Ravindra Jadeja who briefly held the position last season. Dhoni, who joined the franchise in IPL 2008, has continued to wear the yellow jersey. However, many believe that the IPL 2023 season could be his last as a player.
After failing to qualify for the play-offs last season, Dhoni, who took over the captaincy from an angry Ravindra Jadeja, would certainly like to go out feeling good. If he also intends to quit, one can never be sure about ‘Captain Marvel’.
In IPL it will always be reckless to keep CSK out of contention and this edition will be no different. And with English all-rounder Ben Stokes in their ranks, CSK will look impressive.
With PTI inputs
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