Watch: MS Dhoni’s effortless pull shot in CSK nets sets the internet ablaze

MS Dhoni in CSK nets (Source: CSK/Instagram)

MS Dhoni is gearing up for the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which begins on Saturday, March 22, as defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The iconic wicketkeeper-batter joined Chennai Super Kings’ pre-season camp last month and has been looking quite sharp despite being out of action since the last season of the IPL. In a recent video posted by a fan on social media, the 43-year-old can be seen hitting an aerial pull shot with ease in one of the net sessions in the lead-up to IPL 2025.

Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. However, he has played the IPL in all the five seasons and fared commendably. The former India skipper was retained by the Super Kings as an uncapped player for INR 4 crore.

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This was made possible after the IPL Governing Council reintroduced the “uncapped player” rule, allowing franchises to retain Indian players who have not played international cricket or held a BCCI central contract in the preceding five years, potentially at a lower cost than capped players.

Dhoni faced just 73 balls in IPL 2024 and amassed 161 runs at an average of 53.67 and a strike rate of 220.55. He belted 14 fours and 13 sixes in the season. Ahead of the season, he had handed captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who did reasonably well in his first stint in charge of a five-time IPL-winning franchise.

Chennai finished fifth on the points table, agonisingly missing out on a playoffs berth after losing their crucial last game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The Men in Yellow will start their IPL 2025 campaign on Sunday, March 23, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as they take on arch-rivals Mumbai Indians.

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