The most popular league in the world, IPL 2023 is about to begin shortly with the top 10 teams fighting for the ultimate prize. Debutant Gujarat Titans won their first title in 2022 under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya. They defeated Rajasthan Royals in a one-sided affair in the finals. However, MS Dhoni has started practising for the upcoming season.
Chennai Super Kings won the 2nd most IPL titles with four while Mumbai Indians won 5 titles. With the 2023 IPL likely to be his last season, Dhoni started his preparation for this season. CSK had a disappointing 2022 tournament not qualifying for the playoff stage.
Dhoni failed to perform as a batter last season for CSK. He scored 232 runs from 14 matches (13 innings) with the best score of 50 not out against Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite having a poor 2021, Chennai Super Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in the finals to their fourth title.
MS Dhoni would be looking to showcase his prowess in front of capacity crowds during this season. He was seen practicing ahead of this season. CSK is known to make a strong comeback after a disappointing 2020, they showed character to win the 2021 IPL title.
Chennai Super Kings has a solid unit for 2023. They bought England all-rounder Ben Stokes for a whopping price and hope to provide balance with his all-around abilities. CSK retained the core group of players that they played in 2022.
MS Dhoni is all set for the IPL 2023:
The preparation has started for MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2023. pic.twitter.com/FUapARmL4P
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 19, 2023
MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway, Ambati Rayudu, Mitchell Santer, and Theekshana all have been retained by the CSK franchise. During the 2023 IPL auction they bought Ben Stokes for Rs 16.25 Crore, Kyle Jamieson for 1 Crore, Ajiyanka Rahane for 50 Lakhs, Bhagath Verma for Rs 20 Lakhs, Nishant Sindhu for Rs 60 Lakhs, Shaik Rasheed for Rs 20 Lakhs.
MS Dhoni would be hoping to lead for the final time in IPL history. Under his captaincy, CSK won four titles in 2010 and 2011. They returned from the ban winning it in 2018 and then winning the title in 2021.
CSK fans would hope to see vintage Dhoni for one last time in IPL history. Since its inception, CSK has played a total of 210 matches winning 121, losing 86, 1 tied, and 2 no-result with a win percentage of 57.86.
MS Dhoni had a great IPL career with 234 matches 4978 runs and 24 half-centuries, a career-best score of 84 not out. He has been sensational while wicketkeeping and hoping to provide another brilliant display to give farewell.
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