Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has revealed that Dhoni is practicing by batting for a few overs and attempting to hit every ball for a six.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is now 43 years old. Since the last IPL, he hasn’t played any matches. As he prepares for another IPL season, his focus is entirely on hitting sixes. According to CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni is batting for just a few overs in practice, trying to send every ball over the boundary.
Before this season’s auction, Chennai retained Dhoni as an “uncapped” player. Despite leading the team to five IPL titles, the franchise had to spend only four crore rupees to keep him.
Dhoni last played for India in the 2019 World Cup. Due to an IPL rule, he was categorized as an “uncapped” player because five years had passed since his last international match or his last inclusion in the BCCI’s central contract list. This rule applies exclusively to Indian cricketers.
In the IPL, Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings are almost synonymous. He has been playing for Chennai since the inaugural season in 2008. When the team was banned for two seasons in 2016-17, Dhoni played for Rising Pune Supergiant before returning to CSK. He remains with the franchise to this day.
Dhoni joined the Chennai camp last February to prepare for this season. Known as one of the greatest finishers in cricket history, he is refining his skills to contribute to the team. However, this time, his sole focus is on six-hitting, as confirmed by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad on the eve of the match.
“I think whatever role he is trying to achieve or whatever his role will be in the IPL, his practice is limited to that. So, it’s very simple — focusing on hitting as many sixes as possible, getting the right bat swing, and staying in the best possible shape,” Gaikwad said.
“From the start, that’s what he was trying to do. I never felt, not even on the first day, that he was out of rhythm. So, I believe he is undoubtedly special — he has been doing this for so many years,” he added.
Chennai Super Kings will kick off their IPL campaign this Sunday at their home ground, MA Chidambaram Stadium, where they will face another five-time champion, Mumbai Indians.
