IPL 2024: Training camp begins for defending champions Chennai Super Kings

One of the most popular teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), got their training camp underway on Saturday, March 2.

The first batch of Indian players arrived on Friday to join the preparatory camp, while more players will be coming over the next few days. The official social media handles of the Super Kings shared pictures to confirm the arrival of the first batch of players. Deepak Chahar was the only capped player who arrived on Friday, while talented youngsters like Simarjeet Singh (pacer), Rajvardhan Hangargekar (all-rounder), Mukesh Choudhary (pacer), Prashant Solanki (spinner), Ajay Mandal (all-rounder) accompanied him.

"The first batch of local (Indian) players arrived on Friday and more are expected to arrive in the coming days," a Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) official was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.

Meanwhile, seasoned pacer Deepak Chahar, who has struggled with injuries in his career, made his last appearance for India during the five-match T20I series against Australia in December. He played the fourth T20I in Raipur and finished with figures of 2/44 in his four overs. Before the fifth encounter, he flew back home due to a medical emergency. The right-arm pacer skipped the South Africa tour owing to his father's illness.

Check out Chennai Super Kings' latest post here:

Deepak Chahar recuperated in NCA, CSK gearing up to defend their title in IPL 2024

Last month, Chahar was training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru when he announced that he was fully fit. The 31-year-old has been a fine performer in the IPL, having picked up 72 wickets in 73 matches at an average of 28.04 and an economy rate of 7.93. Chahar will look to put in a solid shift for the defending champions during the IPL and stay in contention for a spot in the national team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in June.

MS Dhoni led Chennai to a record-equalling fifth IPL crown after beating Gujarat Titans in a nerve-wracking summit clash, last year. The iconic wicketkeeper-batter is yet to join the training camp. Dhoni was spotted with his wife Sakshi in Jamnagar on Friday when he attended the pre-wedding function of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Indian billionaire businessman Mukesh Ambani.

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Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is touted as the future captain of the Super Kings after Dhoni's retirement, arrived on Saturday. Notably, Chennai will begin their title defence on Friday, March 22 as they face Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk.