IPL 2020: Mahendra Singh Dhoni is back
What's the story
A large number of fans turned up at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday as Mahendra Singh Dhoni commenced his training for the upcoming IPL edition.
Dhoni was expected to start training for his franchise Chennai Super Kings in the first week of March before going back for a few days.
While he underwent the hard-grind, CSK's full camp will begin from March 19.
Twitter Post
Dhoni launched a few blows after taking guard
A grand waltz to take guard! #StartTheWhistles #SuperTraining 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/tQbDqqnmT2
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 2, 2020
Sabbatical
Dhoni hasn't featured for India since conclusion of CWC19
Dhoni began his two-week stint with the Indian Army in Kashmir following the World Cup exit.
However, he made himself unavailable for West Indies tour and home T20Is against Bangladesh.
With the "moving on" remark by the outgoing chief selector MSK Prasad, Dhoni's retirement speculations have been doing the rounds.
He was also removed from the list of centrally contracted players recently.
Numbers
Dhoni was terrific in IPL 2018 and 2019
As Dhoni guided CSK to a third IPL title in 2018, the yellow army fell short by one run to win the final in the following season.
In 2018, he scored 455 runs from 15 innings at an average of 75.83. Interestingly, his average climbed to 83.20 in 2019.
The upcoming IPL edition may decide the plight of Dhoni's international career.
IPL 2020
CSK will take on Mumbai Indians in the IPL opener
CSK will begin their campaign in the tournament opener, locking horns with defending champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.
The Dhoni-led side bolstered their spin attack further as they bought leg spinner Piyush Chawla for Rs. 6.75 crore in the auction.
They also picked up Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood (Rs. 2 crore) and England all-rounder Sam Curran (Rs. 5.50 crore).
Speculations
Dhoni would want to make the most of IPL campaign
Speculations have constantly shrouded the future of MS Dhoni since India's World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand.
Although fitness has never been an area of concern for Dhoni, he still needs to get in the groove following a long exile.
He will look to iron the chinks and stake his claim in the 2020 edition of the cash-rich league.