IPL 2020: Chennai Super Kings Captain MS Dhoni Returns to Action as Records Beckon

The IPL 2020 is all set for a blockbuster opening with defending champions Mumbai Indians resuming their long-standing rivalry with seasoned favourites Chennai Super Kings on September 19th in Abu Dhabi.

Both sides have played a total of 29 matches against each other, but MI has dominated the head-to-head record with 17 wins.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni, who returns after more than a year away from the game. His last outing was in India’s defeat against New Zealand at the ODI World Cup in 2019 in Old Trafford.

Three titles, eight appearances in the finals and a staggering 100 per cent qualification record to the tournament play-offs – the Yellow Army’s overall record in the IPL has been phenomenal.

While CSK look to avenge their 2019 IPL final loss against the Rohit Sharma-led brigade, here’s a look at some of the most anticipated aspects of the first day of IPL 2020.

MS Dhoni’s grand comeback

MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings have been synonymous to each other in the IPL, forming a relationship unlike no other in franchise cricket. The veteran leader’s



contribution to CSK has been no less than heroic, with 871 runs at average of 79.18 during the last two seasons. Dhoni, who announced his international retirement on Independence Day this year, has not played competitive cricket since India’s semi-final exit against New Zealand at the 2019 World Cup. So, expectations from the world and CSK faithful will be skyrocket as the wait is over as ‘Thala’ saunters out at Abu Dhabi in yellow. Dhoni will be the cynosure of all eyes and a spectacular performance from CSK and MSD will be the icing on the cake!

As Dhoni returns to the playing field, with the wicketkeeper’s gloves, there are a few records which you could see him break. The CSK captain currently tops the charts for most dismissals in the IPL. But he can go a step further. Dhoni, with 133 dismissals to his name, needs 17 more to reach the landmark of 150 dismissals.

Thala can look at breaking the record for the most dismissals in a single season. With 24 dismissals in 16 matches during Season 12, the record is currently held by Delhi Capitals’ Rishabh Pant. Going by news about Dhoni’s form with word from the camp suggesting that he is sharp and fit, this should be a cakewalk for the three-time IPL champion.