The ninth edition of the Indian Premier League is set to kick off on 9 April 2016. The defending champions, Mumbai Indians will be taking on one of the new kids on the block, Rising Pune Supergiants in the inaugural match of the tournament at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The Pune-based franchise which is owned by the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group will be looking forward to start their IPL campaign with a bang under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
This will be the first Indian Premier League season for both, Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions following the two-year suspension of Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings due to their alleged involvement in a number of match-fixing scandals.
The Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise has unveiled its jersey for this edition of the Indian Premier League in the presence of its skipper and the Indian limited overs captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his fellow teammate, Ajinkya Rahane.
While talking to the reporters at the event, Dhoni said, “A lot of areas have been covered, so from RPS side we would like to welcome Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited, we are proud of being part of the Hinduja family. They have been supporting us for a long time and it’s not only us they have been part of sports when it comes to motorsports.”
“Now they are also a part of one of the best football teams Manchester United, so thanks for choosing us. I know after CSK, they have (a) lot of options but thanks for showing the confidence and in turn, it’s our responsibility to reflect the kind of confidence you have shown in our team,” he added.
When asked about his feeling after Team India's semi-final exit at the ICC World T20 2016, the 34-year-old answered, “Let’s move on ahead and make India proud and at the same time do well for our franchise.”
MS Dhoni's Team India colleague, Ajinkya Rahane echoed similar views as his captain at the event.
“I am sure we will do well in this season and make the whole country proud,” the 27-year-old Indian cricketer told the press.
Here is a Facebook post of MS Dhoni in his brand new RPSG jersey:
A behind the scene pic. In my new IPL colours.
Posted by MS Dhoni on Wednesday, 6 April 2016
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