Watch: 'Thala' MS Dhoni lands in Chennai ahead of IPL 2021 in UAE

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper and former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has landed in Chennai to prepare for the remaining matches of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) before they head to the UAE where the tournament will be held from September 19 to October 15.

According to reports, few members of the CSK contingent including Dhoni will be arriving in the UAE on August 14 and prepare at a camp in Dubai. Dhoni arrived at Chennai Airport late Monday night with his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva.

Dhoni met with a huge welcome in the city which is like a second home to him as he has been playing for the franchise since the inception of the IPL and fans were eager to get a glimpse of their idol even in the wee hours of the night.

Look who arrived.! @MSDhoni | #MSDhoni | #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/u2Tq9iMZN3

— DHONI Trends (@TrendsDhoni) August 10, 2021

Finally Dhoni is here @MSDhoni • #MSDhoni • #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/QHT9tllPOn

— DHONI Era (@TheDhoniEra) August 10, 2021

Thala is back in his Kingdom and along with Sakshi and Ziva this time.

#MSDhoni |#whistlepodu pic.twitter.com/wrkwehb74S

— Ananya (@TheCricBird) August 10, 2021

Dhoni-led CSK turned their fortunes around in the current season after a disappointing show when they last time played in the UAE. Dhoni's side changed their approach and became the beats of the middle-ocers smashing the oppositions left, right and centre.

CSK were in second place in the points table with five wins in the seven games they played and slowly became one of the favorites to win the competition, along with the likes of Delhi Capitals, who are at the top with six wins in eight games and Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The second phase of the IPL will begin on September 19 with the clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.