MS Dhoni Joins CSK in Chennai Ahead of IPL 2024: Preparations in Full Swing

The cricket maestro, who underwent left knee surgery in June, is all set to make a remarkable return after steering CSK to their fifth IPL title in the previous season. Despite navigating the entire IPL 2023 with a heavily strapped knee, Dhoni’s agility behind the stumps was evident, yet he faced challenges running between the wickets.

Kasi Viswanathan, CSK’s CEO, provided insights into Dhoni’s recovery during the launch of the Junior Super Kings tournament in Chennai last December. He mentioned, “He [Dhoni] is doing well now. He has started his rehab and is working in the gym,” indicating the meticulous preparation behind Dhoni’s return to peak form.

However, CSK faced an early setback as New Zealand’s Devon Conway will miss a significant portion of the tournament due to thumb surgery. With Conway sidelined, the responsibility of the wicketkeeping duties falls on Aravelly Avanish, the lone backup to Dhoni, who recently showcased his skills in the Under-19 World Cup for India in South Africa.

CSK’s pre-season camp kicked off on March 2, with local players, including the recovered Ruturaj Gaikwad and the returning Deepak Chahar, who hasn’t seen competitive action since December 2023. Gaikwad’s fellow Maharashtra teammates – Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Mukesh Choudhary, and Prashant Solanki – along with Delhi seamer Simarjeet Singh and Chhattisgarh left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Ajay Mandal, have also joined the training sessions at Chepauk.

As the defending champions, CSK gears up for a fierce battle against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2024 opener at Chepauk on March 22. The initial schedule includes 21 matches between March 22 and April 7, with the final expected on May 26. Notably, a tight five-day gap separates the IPL final and the commencement of the men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean on June 1. Stay tuned for an action-packed cricketing extravaganza!