Chennai, Feb 27, 2025 – —Excitement building in Chennai as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up for their pre-season preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, w. Legendary figurehead Mahendra Singh Dhoni arriving in the city. The five-time champions begin a 10-day pre-season camp at CSK High-Performance Centre at Navalur, and the arrival of ‘Thala’ Dhoni has worked the fans into a frenzy.
Dhoni, fondly termed ‘Thala’ (the leader) by CSK faithful, landed in Chennai airport on February 26. He wore laid-back attire, a black T-shirt, and spectacles, replete with his signature cool swagger. CSK’s social media handle posted a photograph of the scene with the inscription “THALA DHARISANAM” that sparked emotions among followers.
His return is the start of his last IPL season, which has sparked rumors after a mysterious Morse code message on his jersey suggesting “ONE LAST TIME.” Although Dhoni has not yet announced his retirement intentions, the 43-year-old’s passion for the sport remains unrelenting.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the camp’s kickoff, noting that key players like captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, alongside new recruits such as Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj, have already reached Chennai.
The pre-season camp, a tradition for the franchise since Dhoni’s international retirement in 2020, allows the team to fine-tune strategies ahead of their IPL opener against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. With the team missing the playoffs in 2024, coming fifth, the attention is on regaining their dominance next season.
SOURCE: Chennai Super Kings(CSK)
Dhoni, held over as an uncapped player at Rs 4 crore, remains the pulsing heart of CSK even after resigning as captain prior to IPL 2024. His power bursts during last season—161 runs at more than 220-strike rate—were testament to his continued value, even when he shifts towards batting lower in the order. It’s been reported that he’s been practicing intensively at Ranchi too, with light bats, to ensure his advantage stays intact.
As the pre-season unfolds, all eyes will be on how CSK blends its seasoned core with fresh talent. For now, Dhoni’s arrival has set the tone—an electrifying promise of ‘Yellove’ magic at Chepauk once more. Will IPL 2025 be his swan song? Only time will tell, but Chennai is ready to whistle for their Thala.