Defending champions Chennai Super Kings had started training for IPL 2019 a few days ago but something was missing, the management too was reluctant to make an official announcement about the trials. It was only on Sunday, that CSK started functioning like a well-oiled machine with everyone working that extra bit and not surprisingly, it was marked as the full-fledged beginning of their preparations.
The credit for the change and many other things should go to MS Dhoni, who had joined the training camps at MA Chidambaram stadium on Sunday.
The CSK captain, who landed in the city late on Friday, got down to business and was seen discussing with head coach Stephen Fleming and batting coach Mike Hussey.
Dhoni, Rayudu, Jadhav, Raina and the others batted at the nets under the watchful eyes of Fleming and Hussey.
Dhoni, fresh from a decent home series against Australia looked a cut above the rest both in terms of fitness and shotmaking. Just like he indulged in a six-hitting competition ahead of India’s third ODI at Ranchi, Dhoni was seen practising the big hits on his first day of training for CSK before IPL 2019.
The domestic players in the squad, including Karn Sharma, KM Asif and Tamil Nadu 'keeper N Jagadeesan began training on March 6.
India discard Suresh Raina and Tamil Nadu opener Murali Vijay joined the preparatory camp a few days later.
Meanwhile, the sale of tickets for the first game of IPL-12 between CSK and Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 23, began today.
According to sources, tickets for the tournament opener were sold out.