IPL 2021: [Watch] Highlights of CSK's intra-squad match ahead of the start of the season
Ahead of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) played an intra-squad practice match as a part of their preparations.
The game featured all the star CSK players, including MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja.
Cheteshwar Pujara looked impressive in the brief highlights package, starting the match with some big hitting. The right-handed batsman could be seen hitting a few boundaries on either side of the wicket. Meanwhile, new recruit Moeen Ali was stumped after being deceived by a googly from Karn Sharma.
MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina were also seen in the video, batting together for the first time since their respective retirements. The latter pulled out of IPL 2020 last year, citing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, Watch | Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi troubles MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina during the practice game
MS Dhoni displays his hitting range during the CSK practice game
Skipper MS Dhoni could be seen hitting a few big shots in the video. On one occasion, he marched down the pitch and smashed South Africa's Hardus Viljoen straight back over his head.
He hit Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi for a couple of boundaries after initially struggling against the bowler. Ravindra Jadeja also looked good with the bat and played some crisp shots.
Deepak Chahar also seemed to be in a good rhythm with the ball and managed to get Robin Uthappa caught at the slips. He dislodged another CSK batsman's stumps as well before the players shook hands to signal the end of the game.
CSK will play their first game of the season against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10th. Having failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time in their history during IPL 2020, CSK will want to make a strong start to the tournament this year.