MS Dhoni return to professional cricket will be one of biggest highlights of the IPL 2024. While the former Indian cricket team captain has long retired from international cricket, the T20 Franchise league is a platform where he continues to shine bright. Last year, MS Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings to a record-equalling fifth IPL title. While there have been several videos on social media showing MS Dhoni practicing, there is no official statement on whether he is game-fit or not. 

A knee issue troubled him during the IPL 2023 and he even underwent surgery. MS Dhoni’s former teammate Parthiv Patel gave an interesting update on his recent meeting with the superstar. 

“We didn’t talk about cricket at all. We were there to attend the Common friend’s wedding. We didn’t talk about cricket. And usually we don’t unless we are on the ground and stuff. These are not the times where we talk about cricket. We were just having fun,” Parthiv Patel was quoted as saying by Times Now. 

“It’s very difficult for anyone to just say, there is a difference between looking fit and being fit. You might just get someone with six pack. But he might have a niggle in his knee and he cannot play the game. So, whether he is game fit or not, only once he starts practising or if he has started or not for a longer time. I have also seen as much as you have seen on social media is some pictures right before that. It’s very difficult. And still, IPL still has a time. So, I am sure if he has made up his mind or if he has started or not playing then he will play only if it’s fitting.”

 The former Indian cricket team skipper has already started practicing and in a recent video, the sticker on his bat caught the attention of cricket fans. Dhoni had the sticker of “Prime Sports” – a shop owned by his friend Paramjit Singh in Ranchi – on his bat. The sticker became a major conversation among fans and it has now found a mention from legendary Australia wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist on air.

Gilchrist and compatriot Michael Hussey were on commentary during the second T20I encounter between Australia and West Indies. The duo were discussing the upcoming IPL 2024 season and Hussey shared his experiences of playing the game and mentioned Dhoni. 

“Got to reach India 10 days before the tournament starts. March, maybe 11th of March we are heading off. Looking forward to it. Great tournament, really is. Best players from all around the world. Best Indian players playing… it’s incredible. The crowds are unbelievable, the noise they make. The atmosphere in the ground. And MS Dhoni is back. He’s hitting balls in the nets already I reckon.”