MS Dhoni visits TNPL game in Tirunelveli; Dean Jones excited on Twitter

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni has a special connection with Tamil Nadu. He has been a popular cricketer in the state after escorting the local team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to three titles and now India’s most successful captain made himself available at Tirunelveli’s Indian Cement Company Ground for a game in Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), surprising the local crowd.

Dhoni, who was also present during the toss before the game, also promised to his local fans that he will improve his Tamil by the next edition of the IPL when the CSK will be defending their title.

His presence at the TNPL game between Madurai Panthers and Kovai Kings even earned a reaction from former Australian cricketer Dean Jones who praised Dhoni in his tweet saying: “How cool to have @msdhoni to @TNPremierLeague in Tirunelveli!!! Ripper guy and just loves the game!”

How cool to have @msdhoni to @TNPremierLeague in Tirunelveli!!!
Ripper guy and just loves the game! https://t.co/J1cEnxWbEG

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) August 5, 2018

I will learn Tamil

The 37-year-old wicket-keeper-batsman who won India two world titles besides the Champions Trophy and other big trophies has led the CSK ever since the start of the IPL and guided them to three titles in seven finals, including the one in 2018 after the Chennai-based franchise returned to the tournament after serving a two-year ban.

“What brings me here is the TNPL (Tamil Nadu Premier League), of course, to start off. Every time I play IPL, I learn Tamil and once the tournament ends I have to start from scratch again. I will make sure that by next edition of IPL, I’ll learn a bit of Tamil,” MS Dhoni was quoted as saying by Indian Express

“Also this is a special place, this is where India Cements started. I have been with them (India Cements) for a long time so, this gives me an opportunity to come and see the first Plant over here.”

Dhoni, who no more plays for India in whites, has taken a break after returning from England after the ODI series which India lost 1-2. Dhoni’s own batting form has come under question for his dropped scoring rate although captain Virat Kohli and the team have stood by him.

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