Despite the schedule for IPL 2021 not confirmed yet, the Chennai Super Kings have kick-started their campaign well and ahead as skipper, MS Dhoni has landed in Chennai, confirmed the social media handles of the franchise itself.
Early on Thursday morning, the franchise posted a video of MS Dhoni, in his smiling avatar behind the mask, arriving at the Chennai airport and then checking in into his hotel as he begins his bid for a fourth IPL title in the upcoming 14th edition of the tournament – one which could well be his last one.
“The Singa Nadai to start off the day with! Thala Coming! #DenComing #WhistlePodu #Yellove @msdhoni,” CSK captioned the video.
In another post, MS Dhoni is seen in his smiling avatar behind the mask,
“Thalai-Vaa! Smile with the Mass(k) on! Super Night! #DenComing #WhistlePodu #Yellove,” wrote CSK with Thala’s pic.
The Singa Nadai to start off the day with! Thala Coming! #DenComing #WhistlePodu #Yellove 💛🦁 @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/nu6XOmJ8qo
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 4, 2021
Thalai-Vaa! 🙏🏽🦁
Smile with the Mass(k) on! Super Night! #DenComing #WhistlePodu #Yellove 💛 pic.twitter.com/zjjDowuOmL
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 3, 2021
Senior batsman, Ambati Rayudu has arrived in Chennai even earlier than his skipper – the franchise made sure that the news of Rayudu’s entry reaches the fans. MS Dhoni, Amabati Rayudu, along other domestic players will take part in the camp which is expected to commence in the second week of March.
“First #Dencoming of the summer from across the border is Manavaadu Bahubali!!! #Yellove #WhistlePodu @RayuduAmbati” CSK welcomed Rayudu.
First #Dencoming of the summer from across the border is Manavaadu Bahubali!!! #Yellove #WhistlePodu 💛🦁 @RayuduAmbati pic.twitter.com/wPf039kYJ7
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 3, 2021
CSK spent big on all-rounders in the IPL 2021 auction
After releasing the like of Piyush Chawla and Harbhajan Singh, and with Shane Watson retired, the Yellow Army went after all-rounders in the recent auction to improve their team from the last season – for the first time in the IPL history CSK failed to finish in the top 4.
After failing to buy Australian superstar all-rounder, Glenn Maxwell, the 3-time champions roped in England all-rounder, Moeen Ali, who was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore, for INR 7 crore, and Karnataka all-rounder, Krishnappa Gowtham for a hefty sum of INR 9.25 crore making him the most expensive uncapped player in the IPL auction.
Veteran Indian batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara makes his return to the IPL after 6 years as he was also bought by the MS Dhoni-led franchise for his base price of INR 50 lakh.
A major boost for CSK will be the availability of the veteran batsman, Suresh Raina whose stability at number 3 was missed last year after he pulled out at the eleventh-hour – the left-hander in fact went to UAE with the team but returned back home owing to personal reasons.
