MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya (Screengrab)
NEW DELHI: In a moment that melted hearts and transcended team rivalries, Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni shared a warm, heartfelt hug during a training session ahead of the blockbuster
IPL 2025
clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk.
As cameras zoomed in, the sight of the former India captain and the current T20I star embracing was more than just a photo-op. In all, it was a gesture soaked in mutual respect, brotherhood, and years of shared cricketing history.
Dhoni, a legend whose calm leadership defined an era, and Pandya, once his protégé and now a leader himself, stood in a quiet moment of camaraderie before the storm of "El Clasico" -- the most celebrated rivalry in IPL history.
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Their paths have been vastly different but closely intertwined -- from lifting trophies together for India to now captaining the two most successful franchises in IPL history.
Even though Pandya will not be playing the opening game due to a one-match suspension, his presence at the venue and this gesture toward Dhoni sent a strong message: that beyond the fierce competition, IPL continues to be a celebration of relationships built over time.
With CSK boasting a spin-heavy lineup and MI missing key players like Jasprit Bumrah and suspended skipper Hardik Pandya, the home side starts as slight favourites.
MS Dhoni’s leadership remains central, while Suryakumar Yadav steps in as MI captain. CSK’s recent dominance over MI add intrigue, and the match will also showcase the new ball-change rule.
Despite MI's depleted squad, their explosive top order sets the stage for a thrilling contest between two IPL powerhouses.
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