Preparing for the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, MS Dhoni is getting ready to lead the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their first home game at the Chepauk Stadium since 2019. The return to their home ground also implies the reappearance of the enthusiastic fans who attend the team’s practice sessions in large numbers.
The Chennai crowd is renowned for generating an ambiance that mimics an actual match, particularly when a player like Dhoni hits a massive six during practice. The enthusiasm and devotion for the team and Dhoni are awe-inspiring, regardless of how many times one has witnessed it, as proven by CSK batting coach Michael Hussey.
Despite being associated with CSK for years, initially as a player and now as a member of the coaching team, Hussey couldn’t help but chuckle and applaud when he observed the crowd go wild over Dhoni’s six.
CSK posted a video on Twitter that captures Dhoni’s six and the subsequent uproar from the crowd. Although Hussey had his back turned to the crowd while watching Dhoni, he couldn’t resist breaking into a grin, turning around, shaking his head, and applauding the enthusiastic fans.
CSK has won four IPL titles under Dhoni’s captaincy. Before the previous season, Dhoni passed the leadership mantle to Ravindra Jadeja. However, after a series of disappointing outcomes, Dhoni took over the captaincy midway through the season.
There are rumors that the 2023 IPL could be Dhoni’s last season as a CSK player. Dhoni hinted at the same before the team’s final group match in the 2022 edition. He expressed his intention to personally express gratitude to fans all over India because the Indian Premier League will be played in 12 different cities in 2023.