With the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) just a week away, Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has hit the nets with a vengeance, smashing sixes for fun.

Dhoni, who was in stellar form on international duty with India during their tours of Australia and New Zealand and at home against the former when they were visiting, will be eager to replicate his performances in the domestic T20 competition that begins Saturday.

And on the evidence of CSK practice sessions, the veteran wicketkeeper batsman, who has guided the Chennai franchise to three IPL titles, has gotten into groove quickly.

Dhoni was seen pummeling six after six during a Chennai Super Kings net session last night.

140 seconds of Classic #Thala Dhoni! #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/079ZXqdUaS

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 16, 2019

The upcoming IPL campaign begins on 23 March with the opening match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M.A. Chidamabaram Stadium in Chennai.

Chennai Super Kings, who are the reigning IPL champions, will be keen to start the new campaign on a winning note and go on to successfully defend their title.

The Chennai outfit, which has been captained by Dhoni since its inception in 2008, is currently tied with Mumbai Indians for most titles with three, and they will be hoping to take that record outright with another successful campaign.

Meanwhile, a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official in the know of developments has said that the full IPL 2019 schedule was expected to be released on March 18.

First Published: Mar 17, 2019 12:29 IST