In another ten days, MS Dhoni will also start working in the nets: Chennai Super Kings CEO KS Viswanathan

In a much-anticipated development, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper, MS Dhoni, is gearing up to hit the training grounds once again, eyeing the upcoming IPL 2024 season. Notably, the 42-year-old cricket maestro, who led the Super Kings to a glorious fifth IPL title last year, had faced a bit of a hiccup with a left knee injury and underwent the knife post the tournament.

In the same vein, K.S. Viswanathan, the franchise's CEO, spilt the beans on Dhoni's current fitness status and said that the CSK skipper was in good shape and had been under rehabilitation in the gym. Moreover, he expects Dhoni to start practicing in nets in the next ten days. Hence, this turns out to be a piece of good news for the beloved 'Thala' fans who have been hoping to see the legend in action again. 

“He is doing well now. He has started his rehab and is working in the gym. And, probably in another ten days, he will also start working in the nets," Viswanathan was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

With the IPL season set to commence around March 22, the Super Kings are strategically planning a training camp in Chennai by the first week of March. The anticipation around Dhoni's return to action is building up, especially after his commendable leadership and performance in the previous season.

“With the season set to start around March 22, we are planning for a camp in Chennai by the first week of March,” the CEO added at the launch of the Junior Super Kings inter-school tournament on Saturday.

We were planning for Daryl Mitchell, we thought Mustafizur Rahman would be good bet at Chepauk: Kasi Vishwanathan

Furthermore, the top brass at the CSK franchise also reflected on how the recently concluded IPL 2024 Auction for the 2024 edition panned out for the Chennai think tank. The player auction saw the Super Kings securing six new players, reinforcing their squad for the title defence. Viswanathan expressed his contentment with their overall picks and the prime target they had wanted for their team.

“We pretty much got all our targets. We were planning for Daryl Mitchell. We thought Mustafizur Rahman would be a good bet at our Chepauk wicket, with the big side boundaries. These were our thoughts, but we were not sure whether we would be able to get them. Luckily, it was a good auction for us this time," he added.

Besides, Kasi Vishwanathan also explained the decision to invest a whopping Rs 8.4 crore on an uncapped batter in the form of Sameer Rizvi.

“Sameer Rizvi was a targeted player for many of the franchises. We were probably a bit lucky in getting him. If you look at it, we were trying to get a replacement for Ambati Rayudu. According to us, we didn’t have enough players with that kind of experience to bid for any of them. So, we thought it was better to go in for a youngster who has the promise,” the CSK CEO continued.

“I am not saying this just because we have picked him, he will be the next best. But the opportunity is there for that. Last year, we got Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu and Rajvardhan Hangargekar. So, we are also trying to build the team for the future, which will help us in the longer run," Vishwanathan concluded emphasizing the Super Kings' focus on nurturing young talent.