Former India skipper, MS Dhoni made a guest appearance at the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2018 (TNPL) on Saturday. Dhoni, who leads Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League (IPL) shares a special bond with the people of Tamil Nadu and takes good interest in the league which is played across the state.

Lyca Kovai Kings play Madurai Panthers at Indian Cement Company Ground, Tirunelveli. The Kings won the toss and chose to bowl first in the match.

Before the match, MS Dhoni or 'Thala' as he is popularly called in the state of Tamil Nadu, was asked few questions and one particular question was on how much Tamil has he learnt over the years. To which he replied, "Every time I play IPL, I learn Tamil and once the tournament ends I have to start from scratch again. I will make sure that by next edition of IPL, I'll learn a bit of Tamil". That should make the local fans quite happy.

The league was in the news earlier after their request to allow outstation players in this season but the request was shot down by BCCI-COA keeping interests of IPL in mind. 

MS Dhoni is currently on a short break from cricket after taking part in the limited overs series in Ireland and England. India won T20I series in both countries, but lost the ODI series to world number one team, England.

Dhoni himself was not his usual self with the bat and struggled for form. India will defend their Asia Cup title in UAE next month, where Dhoni will be expected to play an important part with the bat.

Here are some of today's pictures of MS Dhoni at TNPL: