IPL 2024: MS Dhoni Picks Up Bat Again In Vintage Look As Chennai Super Kings Gear Up For Tournament Opener | Watch

MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain is back in his second home at Chepauk and has started preparations for the IPL 2024 as Chennai Super Kings gear up for action.

Dhoni picked up the bat after a long while as he took part in the practice session in CSK’s pre-season camp on Thursday, March 7.

A video that emerged on social media has gone viral where Dhoni can be seen in his vintage long-hair look and in training with two bats as he was seen in a practice session.

As per speculations, Dhoni might be captaining CSK for the last time before calling upon his stellar career.

CSK will head into the IPL 2024 as defending champions, having lifted the record-equaling fifth title after defeating Gujarat Titans in the final last year.

The franchise posted a picture of Dhoni, dearly known as ‘Thala’ among fans where he was gearing up for action.

CSK also posted a video of the bus journey of players from the hotel to the ground throughout which the people in the city were seen in immense joy and excitement with Dhoni waving at them as a thankful gesture.

Dhoni, despite going through a knee injury, ended up leading CSK to a memorable campaign with the team winning the final on the very last ball of the match.

The former Indian captain then had to undergo a knee surgery after promising fans to return for another year but there were several doubts over his participation in the full tournament despite going through a long rehabilitation process.

However, it still remains unclear whether Dhoni will retire after the upcoming season.

He hinted last season that he wanted to bring an end to his IPL career in a special manner but no one knows what he has planned for it.

CSK will look to pick up from where they left last season after bolstering their squad with new buys like Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra.

The five-time champions, however, have suffered a major setback as star opener Devon Conway is set to undergo surgery for his thumb which he injured during the T20I series last month.

Dhoni, on the other hand, will look to continue with his reduced role with the bat as last season, facing few deliveries but making the most out of them.

In 16 matches last season, Dhoni scored only 104 runs but had a strike-rate of 182.46.

While IPL is scheduled to begin on March 22, CSK will be taking Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament opener at Chepauk.