Chennai, July 23: Indian Premier League's (IPL) most successful captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has saluted the fans of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and felt happy that the franchise is back in the Twenty20 tournament from next year.
CSK and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two years and missed out on 9th and 10th editions of the cash-rich league. Now, they will be back playing in 2018.
Yesterday (July 22), Dhoni, who led CSK to two IPL and Champions League (CLT20) titles, was back at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai for the launch of Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and fans welcomed back their beloved skipper.
Speaking to TNPL's website, Dhoni said CSK has the "biggest" fan following in IPL and expressed happiness at returning to their home ground in Chepauk after two years.
.@msdhoni in action at Chepauk ! #ThalaInChepauk #Whistlepodu pic.twitter.com/OqSrcBo6TW
— Thusi (@thusi_c) July 22, 2017
"CSK has the biggest fan following. In the last two years, we were not there but the way the fans supported us, it was like they were waiting for CSK to come back. There was a Test match in the middle, but we haven't played any limited-overs cricket here," the wicketkeeper-batsman said.
"So I feel there is a lot of buzz when it comes to the fans over here. A lot of fans are waiting for the team to come and play at Chepauk. Today, at the opening ceremony (of TNPL), we may get a glimpse of that. This is the first time I am coming back to the ground after two years, so I think it will be pretty interesting," he added.
In 2016 and 2017, Dhoni played for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS). The team reached the final this year where they lost to Mumbai Indians (MI).
Next Summer, we will be there! #ManyHappyReturnsOfCSK pic.twitter.com/zkbgzUzchV
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 21, 2017
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