MS Dhoni has joined the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The official Twitter handle of the CSK uploaded a picture where Dhoni can be seen wearing a mask while wearing a t-shirt with a CSK logo on it.
The Super Kings captioned the picture and wrote, “Thala Dharisanam, finally!”
The 41-year-old is set to take part in his 16th IPL after first joining the Yellow Army way back in 2008. The veteran happens to be the second-most successful skipper in the IPL after Rohit Sharma, who has five IPL titles to his name.
Back in 2021, CSK won the IPL after beating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final. But in 2022, the Super Kings failed to go beyond the league stage. Before the previous edition, Dhoni handed CSK’s captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, who didn’t seem comfortable with his role.
Midway through the season, Dhoni took over as the skipper. However, CSK couldn’t qualify for the playoffs and were one of the very first teams to get knocked out of the championship.
The Super Kings are scheduled to begin their campaign on March 31 against defending champions Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
CSK will also get to play all their home matches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as the Chepauk. Earlier, two-time IPL champion Gautam Gambhir said that it won’t be easy for other teams to beat the Super Kings in Chennai.
“When you play at home, which has always been Chennai Super Kings’ strength, they have always made it a point to make their home a fortress. Whenever they have played away, it’s been a challenge for them.
“So, when you win the majority of matches at home, then you don’t need to win too many matches away. So, it will be very challenging for the teams visiting Chennai at their home ground,” Gambhir was quoted as saying on Star Sports.