The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to be played from April 9 to May 30. The cash-rich tournament will be played across six different venues.
Franchises have also started their training camps and the preparations for the same have begun. Not just on-field training, players are even preparing off-field.
Just like 'Captain Cool' MS Dhoni, who was seen in different avatars for the new commercials for Star Sports. The series of commercials have become viral on social media due to the different looks that Dhoni is sporting in them.
In the first ad, Dhoni is seen as a monk, explaining to a bunch of young monks how Rohit Sharma got his nickname 'The Hitman' and also talks about 'greed'.
WATCH:
#VIVOIPL salutes the new Indian spirit that is eager to innovate and rewrite the rulebook.
Will history be created yet again this IPL?
Join us in celebrating #IndiaKaApnaMantra.
LIVE from Apr 9 | Broadcast starts 6 PM, Match starts 7:30 PM | Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar VIP pic.twitter.com/6IcKGwy4np
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 14, 2021
In the second commercial, Dhoni is seen becoming a teacher, telling his ward how Virat Kohli's aggression and record earned him the title of 'King Kohli'.
WATCH:
The new Indian spirit that innovates, redefines & achieves greatness is what #VIVOIPL is about!
Whose mantra will bring success this time?
Join us in celebrating #IndiaKaApnaMantra.
LIVE from Apr 9| Broadcast starts 6 PM, Match starts 7:30 PM | Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar VIP pic.twitter.com/XiHpNsNnjK
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 14, 2021
Speaking about the IPL 2021 campaign, Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports, Star India, said, "VIVO IPL 2021 is returning to Indian soil with a lot of anticipation across the country. Fans are excitedly looking forward to what promises to be a very different IPL. Our campaign 'India Ka Apna Mantra' reflects the resilience, determination and enterprise of the nation.
"We believe IPL is a platform for expression of the same 'nothing is impossible' spirit on the field. Hunger for success in the IPL inspires players to take risks and challenge conventional wisdom. And it is their inner belief and indomitable 'must do' spirit that drives their commitment.
"We see this as a 'capturing the mood of a generation' campaign – one that reflects a more confident, enterprising, entrepreneurial attitude of the country. With the campaign launch, we are geared up to engage millions of fans and offer them high-quality content clubbed with innovative and immersive experiences,”
As for Dhoni, the 'Thala' of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retired from international cricket on August 15 last year. He will be leading CSK in the IPL 2021.
Dhoni hasn't played any cricket since IPL 2020 which was his worst season as CSK skipper. The Yellow team failed to reach the IPL playoffs for the first time in history after finishing 7th in the league stage.
The side is scheduled to open their campaign against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on April 10. Meanwhile, Rohit's Mumbai Indians (MI) will kickstart the IPL 2021 with a clash against Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.