WATCH: MS Dhoni pulls of vintage ‘helicopter shot’ against Matheesha Pathirana during CSK’s practice session

Former India and Chennai Super Kings’ skipper MS Dhoni has been giving fans his big hitting prowess ahead of the new season. The 43-year-old is set to play his 18th season in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhoni, was seen facing Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana in the open nets recently. 

Pathirana, bowled the perfect yorker length ball that saw Dhoni use his fast hands and pull off the helicopter shot. Chennai’s former skipper sent the ball hurtling to the boundary. The video will be a huge warning to Mumbai Indians’ bowlers as well as other teams ahead of the start of the new season. 

pic.twitter.com/RgePmfw2aS

— Telugu Dhoni fans official 🤫 (@dhonsim140024) March 18, 2025

Chennai Super Kings didn’t have a great IPL 2024 season as they failed to make the top four places in the league. Ruturaj Gaikwad and his team kick off their season with a huge game against Mumbai Indians in Chennai on Sunday. The Men in Yellow played Mumbai just once last season which they went onto win with ease. 

Former Indian selector backs Chennai to perform well in IPL 2025

Ahead of the new season of the IPL, former India skipper and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has out his weight behind the former champions. During his chat with ANI, Srikkanth said, “CSK will do very well. The opening match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings is going to be a great match. it will be a great and exciting season."

Meanwhile, former India spinner R. Ashwin revealed how Dhoni showed confidence in him early in his career. The 38-year-old who retired during the tour of Australia is set to play for CSK after a decade. Ashwin during his time with Chennai won two IPL titles and also played in three finals. 

During a book launch in Chennai, Ashwin as quoted by Hindustan Times said, “Those were the days of Facebook chat, and I remember we spoke there (in 2009). MS said, 'I wanna use you well next year'. I went in and it was quite bizarre, Dhoni got injured (in a match against KKR) and I lost my form for 2-3 games too."

The 38-year-old went onto recount and said, “When we both made our comebacks, I got my first initiation of bowling with the new ball against Mumbai Indians (MI) in front of Sachin Tendulkar. It was a huge game. Dhoni gave me the new ball, shrugged his shoulders and left."