The mother of Chennai Super Kings fast bowler Mukesh Choudhary, Prem Devi, passed away on Tuesday following a prolonged illness. She had been receiving treatment at Tata Hospital in Mumbai, where she died. As reported by Dainik Bhaskar, the bowler traveled to his hometown in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, immediately after the team’s game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday. He conducted the funeral rites with his older brother, Dr. Rajesh Choudhary. Having appeared in only one match for the team this season, Choudhary reportedly returned to the squad before their fixture against Mumbai Indians. However, some sources indicate he will take a brief absence and rejoin for the upcoming game against Punjab Kings.
A OneIndia report states that MS Dhoni stayed in regular communication with the bowler, offering encouragement during this challenging period. Dhoni also visited Choudhary’s mother at the hospital.
Dhoni has not yet played in this IPL season due to a calf injury sustained just before the event began last month.
During Tuesday’s practice, the renowned Chennai Super Kings captain participated fully, including wicket-keeping and batting drills.
On Wednesday, he had a brief session, paused, and then resumed for about an hour, facing deliveries from specialists and pacers.
He hit several shots successfully but also failed to connect on others. According to bowling coach Eric Simons, Dhoni’s participation hinges on the satisfaction of the former captain and the medical team.
The session included some cheerful interludes when Dhoni, an avid dog enthusiast, interacted with the IPL’s AI-operated robotic dog. He attempted to get it to mimic his actions, though it did not always succeed.
(With inputs from PTI)
