MS Dhoni uses unique bat sticker ahead of IPL 2024 season - see pictures

Ahead of the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), pictures of Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni training in the nets started doing the rounds. Dhoni had a fabulous outing in the IPL 2023 season as he led the Chennai-based franchise to their fifth title.Fans recently noticed that Dhoni has been training with a bat that has a ‘Prime Sports’ sticker on it. Prime Sports is reportedly owned by Dhoni’s childhood friend Paramjit Singh. This is understood to be one of the legendary player's unique and kind way of promoting his friend’s sports goods shop.Paramjit is understood to have had a big influence on Dhoni's initial cricket career. Paramjit's shop is located in Ranchi. Pictures from Dhoni’s practice session have now gone viral on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.Dhoni was last seen in action in the IPL 2023 final against Gujarat Titans. Despite having a heavily strapped left knee, Dhoni did not miss a single IPL game last season. Following the completion of the IPL season, Dhoni underwent surgery in Mumbai. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan talked about Dhoni’s fitness status last year."We never asked him things like 'do you want to play or do you want to sit out.' If he can't, he would've told us straightaway. We knew it was a struggle for him to play, but his commitment to the team, his leadership and how the team benefits everyone knows. From that perspective, you have to appreciate him,” Kasi Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo."Till the final, he never complained about his knee to anybody. Though everyone knew, and you would've seen him struggling while running, he never complained even once. After the final, he said, 'okay, I'll have a surgery.' He's finished his surgery, he's quite happy, he's recovering,” he added.One of the finest captains ever to lead the Indian cricket team, Dhoni guided the side to 2011 World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy triumphs. He is also one of the most successful skippers in the history of IPL. Dhoni holds the record for the joint-most IPL titles (5) as a leader of a franchise.