IPL 2018 | MS Dhoni almost breaks down in tears on Chennai Super Kings return to league

After Chennai Super Kings were found involved in the infamous 2013 IPL betting scandal, which saw their then team principal Gurunath Meiyappan being arrested by the police, the Supreme Court of India had banned the franchise for two years. MS Dhoni, who led the team for the first eight years of the league, had to play Rising Pune Supergiant for two years as a result and was emotional while speaking on Thursday on his return.

“As I said it was, I knew I would play for the Pune team but the actual moment comes when you start walking with the team-sheet in your hand till that point of time its only practice and everything. It was a very emotional moment…since I have started playing T20 cricket represented the Indian cricket team, Jharkhand team in few tournaments and CSK for eight years, so it was an emotional moment not to see myself in yellow,” Dhoni said at an event in Chennai.

“But at the same time as professionals, we have to move ahead and also not to prove to anyone but to prove a point to myself that I am making sure whatever I gave in for CSK, I am not leaving any inch that I am not giving for the Pune team.”

Dhoni led the franchise to two IPL titles in 2010 and 2011 and under his leadership, the team finished as the runners-up in four editions. Now, in the 11th edition, the team will begin their campaign on April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai by playing against defending champions Mumbai Indians.