MS Dhoni to start training for IPL-13 from March 2

Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will start his training here from March 2 along with other players before the season-13 of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 38-year-old Dhoni, whose future in the game has been the subject of intense speculation since the ICC 50-over World Cup in June-July last year, will begin training at the MA Chidambaram Stadium for the upcoming IPL.

The IPL 2020 begins with a match between CSK and defending champions Mumbai Indians on 29 March in Mumbai. According to CSK CEO KS Vishwanathan, Dhoni will train with the players who are available as a full preparatory camp for the team starting on 19 March.

Former Indian captain Dhoni is expected to practice with Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu for a few weeks. Sources said he would take a break before returning.

Raina and Rayudu have been training here for the last three weeks. Sources said that it will help the experienced players to connect with new players in the set-up of CSK.

‘Thala’ as Dhoni is fondly called by CSK fans also falls into the groove as he is away from the game for some time. He started training with the Jharkhand team some time ago.

The practice session of the Super Kings in the last two years attracted thousands of crowds and Dhoni’s early arrival can be expected this time to prepare for a similar number.

The three-time IPL champion selected veteran Leggie Piyush Chawla, Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, England all-rounder Sam Curran and Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore during the auction last December.