Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni returned to practice for the first time in Chennai this year when the yellow brigade undertook a practice session at the Chepauk on Monday. Dhoni was spotted smashing the ball into the stands during the training session and coach Mike Hussey was awestruck with Dhoni's striking ability. CSK posted a video of the same on their social media account and captioned it "Hussey's reaction at the end sums up the 🎥💛". Hussey's reaction at the end sums up the 🎥💛#ThalaDharisanam #WhistlePodu 🦁 pic.twitter.com/PcpsCceGiH — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 28, 2023 With IPL returning to its familiar home and away format, CSK will get to play seven games at "Fortress Chepauk" this season. After failing to qualify for the playoffs last season, Dhoni, who took back the captaincy from an angry all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, would like to go out on a high. CSK will take on defending champions Gujarat Titans in the opener on Friday. CSK finished ninth in the 10-team tournament last year after winning the title in 2021. In the press conference of the final league game of CSK in 2022, Dhoni said,” Next season, it shouldn’t be like they are starting from scratch.” Stokes was signed by the Chennai Super Kings in the mini auction last year for an eye-watering 16.25 crore, but there were reports that he might not be with the franchise for the entirety of the IPL to begin preparation for the Ashes. Stokes is also dealing with a knee injury he suffered while playing against New Zealand. However, he has committed to play for Chennai, and it is understood that a clear picture of his full availability will only emerge after he joins the team. While there have been calls for Stokes to sit out the IPL, England coach Brendon McCullum believes that playing in the IPL will not jeopardise Stokes’ chances of playing in the Ashes. “I don’t think he’s jeopardising it. The Chennai set-up is excellent in looking after their players and they’ve a very good medical team and he will be well looked after,” McCullum was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
