There is no denying the fact that former Indian skipper, MS Dhoni enjoys a humongous fan base across the world. However, there is a special connection between him and the crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Having led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise to four title victories in 15 editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhoni holds a special place in all CSK fans’ hearts.
The fans were barred from watching MS Dhoni play at Chepauk for the past three editions of the tournament due to the outbreak of the covid-19 virus, but the IPL 2023 has its home and away format back. All teams will play seven home and as many away matches throughout the league stage, meaning that MS Dhoni will be seen leading the side in Chepauk this year.
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The management allowed fans to watch CSK’s practice match on Sunday, March 27. The franchise shared a video of the fans berserk and chanting Dhoni’s name as the wicketkeeper-batter entered the field to bat. As the veteran walked out to bat, the fans were seen shouting out of excitement, and the ‘Dhoni, Dhoni!” chants began soon.
CSK captioned the video in Tamil saying “Nayagan meendum varaar…” meaning ‘The King is coming back’.
Nayagan meendum varaar… 💛🥳#WhistlePodu #Anbuden 🦁 pic.twitter.com/3wQb1Zxppe
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 27, 2023
MS Dhoni handed the captaincy mantle to Ravindra Jadeja before the IPL 2022 season, but the team had a fallout as they kept losing most of their games, and failed to make a mark under Jadeja’s captaincy. The all-rounder too was unable to make an impact through his performances either with the bat or with the ball, and the pressure kept piling up on him.
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As a result, Dhoni came back to lead the team midway through the previous edition and will continue to don the captain’s hat in the upcoming edition. Fondly known as ‘Thala’, meaning leader, Dhoni would be expecting to finish the season on a high note and deliver a great season to the fans who have been ever supportive of the team through their ups and downs.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be commencing their campaign on the very first day of the tournament as they face defending champions Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 curtain-raiser on March 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
