Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina came to international cricket, almost together. Dhoni debuted in late 2004 while Raina, made his debut in mid 2005. Both played for the same team in IPL, that is Chennai Super Kings. Lastly, the duo retired on the same day from international cricket.
Now the pair of Dhoni-Raina will once again join forces for Chennai, in this season of IPL. Dhoni has played every season for Chennai, bar the two seasons in which Chennai was not allowed, to play IPL due to a controversy. Meanwhile, Raina too played every season for CSK until last year, when he opted out of the tournament due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Fans had missed seeing the pair last year, due to this reason as CSK struggled in the season. It was the first time they missed out, on reaching the play offs. It was quite a disappointing stuff, not only for the franchise but also for the fans, who take pride in their team’s brilliant records, over the years in IPL.
Dismal results in last season is one of the reason, Chennai has started to train earlier than other teams. All their players who are not playing at international level, can be seen sweating it out in the nets. Be it the active cricketers or retired cricketers, all of them are grinding in the training session.
Dhoni-Raina train together!
Recently, the official YouTube channel of Chennai Super Kings, have uploaded a video. In this, the famed duo of Dhoni and Raina are seen practicing, in the net sessions. Both are hitting their big shots, wearing pads, having fielding drills and are laughing in the middle.
Coaches Stephen Fleming and Mike Hussey, are watching the net sessions and preparations of the players very keenly, as the pair are going through the business. It looks quite a calm atmosphere, for the Chennai team.
If the CSK franchise has to repeat, their previous performances in this edition, its necessary for experienced pair of Dhoni and Raina to fire.
The first game of Chennai is against, Delhi Capitals on 10th of April in Vankhede stadium, Mumbai.
Watch the video of Raina-Dhoni in net sessions here:
