IPL 2023: Mahendra Singh Dhoni receives grand welcome on landing in Chennai for CSK camp

MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Former India cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni received a grand welcome on his arrival to Chennai to join the CSK camp, for the upcoming IPL 2023, scheduled to commence from March 31, 2023.

MS Dhoni has remained away from any cricketing action from May 2022. He will be returning to competitive cricket after a lengthy hiatus of ten months. The Chennai Super Kings have already started camping for the IPL. Dhoni will be expected to deliver his prowess after a long period of inactivity.

‘Oh Captain, Our Captain!’ – CSK fans can’t keep calm over Dhoni’s much-awaited return

CSK fans found it hard to contain their excitement on seeing their beloved skipper returning to don the yellow colours again. Fondly called “Thala”, meaning leader in Tamil, fans waited with baited breaths to catch a glimpse of their favourite skipper. The crowd broke into loud cheers and applause as the 41-year-old made his way for the team hotel immediately from the airport.

Chennai Super Kings’ social media handles posted a picture of Dhoni checking into the team hotel. “Thala Dharisanam, finally!”, the franchise captioned the post. Also, they posted a video of Dhoni being warmly welcomed in the team hotel and being escorted inside. “Oh Captain, Our Captain!”, read the caption of the post.

For the unversed, Dhoni will be playing his first IPL match in Chennai after a period of three years, due to the Covid restrictions and protocols. The IPL 2023 will kickoff with the opening match to be played between the Chennai Super Kings and the Gujarat Titans.

Dhoni is confirmed to be leading the Yellow Army for atleast one more season. Back in IPL 2022, CSK’s captaincy was initially given to Ravindra Jadeja. However, the decision seemed to backfire, as CSK won only two out of their first eight matches, almost knocking them out of contention for the playoffs.

Notably, midway through the tournament, Jadeja handed back the leadership job to Dhoni. Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK won only another two out of their remaining six matches, finishing ninth in the points table. CSK are the second-most successful franchise in the IPL’s history, having won the tournament four times.

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