MS Dhoni will be back in action on the cricket field when the IPL 2024 starts on March 22, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) set to host the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the tournament opener. Dhoni hasn't played competitive cricket since the IPL 2023 final last year where he led CSK to a record-equalling fifth title. Dhoni carried a knee issue during the last season, before undergoing a successful surgery to address his the problem. While there has been a lot of speculation is the IPL 2024 is going to be Dhoni's last, former CSK batter Robin Uthappa had suggested that the former India captain's "knees are getting worn out".
Addressing the issue regarding Dhoni's fitness, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter's knees look fine. Irfan said that he met Dhoni a fews days ago and the former India captain was playing "pickleball".
"Last year, Dhoni said he was giving a gift to his fans with his cricket. I met with him a few days ago, he was playing pickleball for two hours non-stop. His knee was fit as it ever was. It's an exciting time for fans; he now has his vintage old look. Will we get the vintage old Dhoni too?," he told Star Sports.
Addressing the rumours of Dhoni batting up the order, possibly opening the innings, Irfan suggested that the CSK captain would continue to bat down the order.
"His role has changed in the past two years. He comes in lower-order, plays lesser deliveries but hits the big shots, the strike rate is high. It's a small innings but a memorable one. I think there won't be much of a change in that this year. He will continue to play that role, and would want to contribute with his captaincy. But there won't be complaints if he treats the fans with more," Irfan explained.
The IPL 2024 opener between CSK and RCB will also mark the return of star batter Virat Kohli , who had pulled out of the England series due to personal reasons.
Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma welcome their second child, a baby boy last month.
