Chennai Super Kings still very popular says MS Dhoni

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni returned to his second home Chennai almost after 2 years. It has been a long time since the wicketkeeper-batsman walked out at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. He was a part of six hitting challenge ahead of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) season 2 which also included many of his old mates from the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Along with Dhoni, India cricketers Mohit Sharma, S Badrinath, Pawan Negi, Anirudha Srikkanth and former Aussie opener Mathew Hayden took part in the six-hitting contest. As MSD entered the ground the huge crowd that had gathered there for the opening game of the TNPL went into a frenzy they were super excited to see the Super Kings skipper back in the den.

To make it a memorable experience for those present, Dhoni hit three massive sixes and the ball soared deep into the stands and the CSK fans were.

CSK has become more popular

The Chennai based team was one of the two franchises including Rajasthan Royals (RR) that was banned from participation in the tournament by the Supreme Court of India in 2015 after the involvement of key members of their team management in the spot-fixing scandal was proved. It was a very sad moment for the franchise and its fans as CSK has been the most successful teams in the IPL and probably around the world as well in the format.

The 2-year ban has made the franchise stronger and more popular. The ban ended earlier this month and now the CSK is eligible to make a comeback in the IPL.

“We were not here for two years, but our fan following has grown in the last two years. They have stayed with us and the love and affection was always there. It will get amplified when CSK return to play their first game over here,” said Dhoni, who represented Rising Pune Supergiant in the last two IPL seasons.

Unconditional Love and affection

The cricketer who turned 36 recently got a little emotional in front of his home crowd. The last time Dhoni played at Chepauk was against South Africa in an ODI in 2015. Earlier he had also made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2005 at the very same stadium. The coolest and the calmest person in the Indian cricket also struck a double century against Australia in the Test match in 2013 series in Chennai.

“I don’t think it can get any better. The crowd has been fantastic. They have given unconditional love and affection… I always say Chennai is my second home. I think the yellow is pretty special and I think we have done well in the yellow. I would definitely like to congratulate CSK for their return and next year you will be watching them play here. The long wait is over,” said Dhoni.

“Not only as a franchisee player but even when we have come here with the Indian team, the love and affection have been terrific over the years. The support has been fantastic even when we were going through a lean patch in a game and needed some outstanding performance from an individual, the support has always been there,” he added.

Six-hitting ability

Dhoni is very particular with his big hitting and can hit very long sixes as we have seen in the good old days. “I try to watch the ball and go against orthodox form of cricket which says hold it lightly. I try to hold it a bit firmly and I don’t look to hit big sixes. What I look for is a good connection. I hit big sixes in practice but in the matches, it is more flat. I don’t get lot of elevation,” he added.