IPL 2018: Know everything that's been doing the rounds
What's the story
The Indian Premier League 2018 season kicks off from April 7 onwards. With only six days to go, a lot has been going around as franchises gear up for the mega tournament. From Rajasthan Royals' Ajinkya Rahane giving an update on Steve Smith's replacement to Virat Kohli joining RCB team-mates for a cracking net session; here we have all the news for you.
CSK return
We are back, says emotional MSD
Former India skipper MS Dhoni, who will lead Chennai Super Kings in IPL 11, was seen speaking in an event. With CSK returning to the IPL fold after a gap of two years, Dhoni said, "We are back! We are back as a whole team." Dhoni has helped CSK to two IPL titles earlier and is raring to have a crack in IPL 11.
Twitter Post
Watch! MSD on CSK's return
Rare Very Rare !!
— WhistlePoduArmy (@Whistleepodu) March 29, 2018
Dhoni being so emotional on his return for @ChennaiIPL
100DAYS FOR DHONI BDAY pic.twitter.com/BOVp4knlsX
King Kohli
Virat Kohli joins team for an intense practice session
After being rested for the 2018 Nidahas Trophy, Virat Kohli is back in the field after a month-long break. The RCB skipper will see his side take on KKR at the Eden Gardens on April 8 and Kohli was right on song while training. He was seen sweating it out after running some yards, before going into the nets and having a swing,
Twitter Post
Run-machine Kohli is ready!
Just can't get enough of the man, can we? 👑 #PlayBold #KingInTheNets pic.twitter.com/fsaRil21yz
— Royal Challengers (@RCBTweets) April 1, 2018
Keeping it clear
Rahane has immense respect for Smith
Rajasthan's Ajinkya Rahane, who will be leading the side in IPL 11, said he respects Australian Steve Smith despite his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal. Smith was banned from participating in IPL 2018. He was earlier retained by RR. Rahane lamented that they will miss Smith largely and the management has identified his replacement, though he did not say who this player is.
Information
KP, Hussain to be a part of IPL commentary team
Reports claim that BCCI is set to announce a 25-member IPL commentary team to provide extensive coverage. For the first time, there will be three commentators from England that include the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan.