MS Dhoni lights up the nets with the classic helicopter shot off Pathirana

Fans are counting down the days until IPL 2025 kicks off. Making the wait more exciting are the sneak peeks emerging from the camps of various franchises as they gear up for the 18th edition of the league. With just a little over two days remaining, players have joined their respective teams, and preparations are in full swing. Amid the numerous glimpses from the training camps, the one that has grabbed the most attention comes from Chepauk. MS Dhoni is gearing up for yet another IPL season, and a recent clip has offered a glimpse of the firepower he still possesses. Batting in the nets, the former skipper showcased his classic, trademark helicopter shot, smashing seamer Matheesha Pathirana for a stunning six.

MS Dhoni hits a sixer off Matheesa Pathirana as the helicopter takes off ahead of IPL 2025

Though the speculations about his retirement crop up every season, there are rare complaints about Dhoni still continuing in the IPL. It has been nearly five years since the 43-year-old bid farewell to international cricket and the IPL remains the only chance for the die-hard fans to witness their beloved 'Thala' on the field. Having already relinquished his captaincy post after leading the team to five trophies, Dhoni remains a pivotal figure on the field for Chennai Super Kings and continues to be a defining presence off it for the IPL as a whole.

Amping up the hype behind Dhoni's return to the field in IPL 2025, a recent video from the CSK camp has sent the fans in a frenzy. The video from the CSK nets captured the legendary finisher unleashing his iconic helicopter shot, smashing young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana back over his head. The shot was a trademark of Dhoni’s batting during the early years of his illustrious career. On the rare occasions it has resurfaced off his bat, it was often followed by the bat completing a controlled cartwheel in his hands after making contact with the ball, a signature move that fans still cherish.

7️⃣ on L♾️P 🦁🚁#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/TDWRLfoqNN

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 19, 2025

Having retired from international cricket in August 2020, with his final appearance for India being the 2019 World Cup semi-final, the IPL has been his only competitive cricket since. Despite being 42 last season, Dhoni remained an integral part of CSK’s setup, amassing 161 runs in 11 innings at a staggering strike rate of 220.54 and an average of 53.66. He also remained razor-sharp behind the stumps, proving yet again that age is just a number when it comes to the former India captain.