Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Not just the fans, even the players were left entertained – and MS Dhoni himself produced a priceless reaction after Michael Hussey smashed a six during an exhibition match at Chepauk. The game, featuring former CSK stars against the current squad, drew a packed crowd of supporters in yellow jerseys.Hussey, fondly known as Mr Cricket, walked in to bat with Dhoni behind the stumps. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad rolled his arm over with some off-spin, but the 50-year-old advanced down the track and launched a big hit over the extra-cover region.
In a video shared by CSK’s social media handle, Dhoni was seen bursting into laughter at the shot. Hussey has been serving as CSK’s batting coach since 2018.The former CSK players’ side featured names like Suresh Raina, Hussey, Matthew Hayden, Murali Vijay, Subramaniam Badrinath, Dwayne Bravo and Muttiah Muralitharan.On the other side, current squad members such as Gaikwad, Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Khaleel Ahmed and Noor Ahmad took on the CSK legends.Hussey was part of the CSK side that won the IPL titles in 2010 and 2011. He played a key role in the 2011 triumph, scoring 492 runs in 14 matches.He also stepped up in the final against Royal Challengers Bangalore, scoring 63 off 45 balls to help Chennai Super Kings clinch the title by 58 runs.The five-time champions CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on March 30.CSK last lifted the IPL trophy in 2023.
