IPL 2019: MS Dhoni, other CSK players sweat it out, fans allowed free entry at practice session
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans had a lot to cheer about at the M A Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on Sunday as the players took part in a practice match.
With fans being allowed free entry into three stands, a huge number gathered to watch the CSK players. (ALSO READ: IPL 2019 team preview: Chennai Super Kings target encore)
Though captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni didn’t feature in the ‘match’, there was a loud cheer when he made an appearance.
Dhoni trained for about an hour, sending deliveries into the stands at regular intervals.
#MenInBlue for the #PracticeMatch today! #WhistlePodu #AnbuDen ???????? pic.twitter.com/ka9crLNR4u
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 17, 2019
None of the foreign players in the squad were present on the day.
Only one half of the Twenty-20 game was played and Batting Lions had a hit with the willow. (ALSO READ: IPL 2019 team preview: Chennai Super Kings target encore)
Murali Vijay (32) and Ambati Rayudu (40) opened the innings, with the latter donning the role of an accelerator.
Always a pleasure playing at the #AnbuDen in front of the #SuperFans! ???????? #PracticeMatch pic.twitter.com/Y6V7s3QyCM
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 17, 2019
Rayudu, who smashed five boundaries and a solitary six during his 23-ball stay, was sent back in the 7th over.
He was caught off the bowling of veteran Harbhajan Singh. (ALSO READ: IPL 2019: IPL releases schedule for first two weeks, CSK to face RCB in opener)
The hugely popular Suresh Raina (56), coming in at number three, was the only batter to post a half-century.
The #PracticeMatch scenes from #AnbuDen! #WhistlePodu #YelloveAgain ???????? pic.twitter.com/63YoCb4hHj
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 17, 2019
The team ended the innings at 199 for five.
Shardul Thakur was the best bowler, scalping two wickets, while Harbhajan, Karn and Deepak Chahar took one each.
The three stands C, D and E were packed and members of the fan club were also present in good numbers.
Whistle parakkum paaru! #ThalaParaak #WhistlePodu #Yellove ???????? pic.twitter.com/6EeMkYT0QY
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 17, 2019
The CSK players began full-fledged training for the forthcoming season of the Indian Premier League on Saturday, CSK takes on Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening match of IPL-12 at the MAC here on March 23.