Watch: MS Dhoni launches trademark helicopter shot against Matheesha Pathirana during CSK practice session

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just three days away, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni is already looking prepared for the season. In a recent practice session, the 43-year-old once again displayed his trademark helicopter shot. Facing young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, Dhoni executed his iconic shot, sending the ball into the stands.

Despite retiring from international cricket in August 2020, Dhoni continues to play in the cash-rich league and be a key member of CSK. Retained for INR 4 crore ahead of IPL 2025, his return is being awaited by both fans and experts alike. Last season, he hammered 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.54 while averaging 53.66. 

During CSK’s practice session, Dhoni faced Pathirana, who is known for his slingy action and yorkers. However, one such attempted yorker was tackled brilliantly by Dhoni’s signature helicopter shot that sent the ball flying straight down the ground. 

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Meanwhile, IPL 2025 possibly is Dhoni’s final season. Fans noticed him wearing a T-shirt with “One last time” written in Morse code, triggering rumors of his retirement. However, Dhoni or the CSK management hasn't made any comments on it.

CSK is set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The five-time champions ahead of the season retained five players, including Dhoni, Pathirana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube.

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CSK squad for IPL 2025:

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rahul Tripathi, Devon Conway, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Vijay Shankar, Rachin Ravindra, Ravichandran Ashwin, Sam Curran, Shaik Rasheed, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Deepak Hooda, Gurjapneet Singh, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Nathan Ellis, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth, Shreyas Gopal