IPL 2020: MS Dhoni Is Back As Chennai Super Kings Skipper Hits The Nets In Ranchi

Fans’ desperation to watch MS Dhoni in action has further increased after the IPL Governing Council announced that the tournament will be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.

The former India skipper has not played a single competitive game since his last appearance for Team India which came in last year’s World Cup semifinal against New Zealand in July. As soon as the World Cup ended, MS Dhoni took an indefinite sabbatical from the game which is yet to end.

The sabbatical would have ended in March this year during the IPL but the tournament had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman had started training at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium with his IPL teammates in March when the pandemic led to the postponement of the tournament.

MS Dhoni resumes training:

Unlike most of his India teammates who have spent considerable time interacting with fans on social media during the lockdown, MS Dhoni has spent most of his time at home. But with the dates for IPL 2020 confirmed now, the legendary cricketer has not wasted any time in resuming his training.

According to The New Indian Express, the Super Kings skipper is back at the nets. He has started practicing in Ranchi although he has been forced to train with the help of bowling machines due to absence of bowlers because of the pandemic.

“He visited the JSCA International Stadium Complex last week. He practised at the indoor facility using bowling machine,” a Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) office-bearer told the news outlet. “He did batting practice for two days over the weekend, but has not returned since.”

“I honestly don’t know what are his plans or whether he will come back for training. We only know he has visited the facility for practice,” added the official.

Chennai Super Kings will leave for UAE later this month. Reports suggested that the franchise was planning to leave for UAE in the second week of August but the BCCI has made it clear no team will be permitted to do so before August 20.

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