MS Dhoni “back in action” on August 16
Image : Collected
|| Desk Report ||
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mahindra Singh Dhoni could be seen in action as soon as August 16 which is when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are hopeful of starting their training camp at Chepauk ahead of UAE departure for IPL 2020.
Having last seen MS Dhoni hit his trademark shots in February-March 2020 during the CSK training camp, cricket fans could see Dhoni resume action as early as August 16 which is when the southern franchise is planning a training camp at Chepauk.
Dhoni had recently hit the nets back home in Ranchi as he trained in an indoor academy but will now reportedly participate in a 15-member training camp organised by the CSK.
As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, the franchise wants to hold the camp from August 16 to 20 which all the players will fly to UAE for the IPL. The proposal for the same has already been given to the Tamil Nadu government and written approval is awaited.
“We want to have a camp in Chennai from August 16 till 20th,” Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kasi Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo.
“We’ve applied to the Tamil Nadu government for permission. Orally they have said yes, but we have still not got the written letter of approval. If the written approval comes we are planning for a camp for the Indian players alone,” Viswanathan added.
Before the camp begins, the players will undergo COVID-19 tests at their respective hometowns. After that, they will come to Chennai and undergo two further tests on August 17 and 18. CSK are planning to fly the players to UAE on August 21 from Chennai in case the camp does not happen. If it does, there could be a small delay.
Dhoni had last hit the CSK training camp in February-March after being absent from the cricket field since India's semi-final defeat to New Zealand in the 2019 ICC World Cup. Seeing Dhoni look in his usual touch in the nets during the training camp, fans were left awestruck.
As Dhoni hits the nets again for CSK ahead of the IPL 2020, fans can expect the franchise to share a few pictures and videos of ‘Thala’ on social media again. For the competitive matches to begin, fans would have to wait till September 19 which is when the new season will start.
