Here is how 'Thala' Dhoni welcomed his IPL team CSK

India's all time favourite cricketing player Mahendra Singh Dhoni on 15 July took to Instagram to celebrate the return of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise - Chennai Super Kings.

The 36-year-old Ranchi boy uploaded a picture of him donning a yellow jersey with the number '7' and word 'Thala' printed on it.

The word 'Thala' translates to 'leader', 'head' or 'boss'.

After CSK ban, Dhoni spent his following years in IPL with Rising Pune Supergiant.

CSK, under the captaincy of Dhoni, had won the 2010 and 2011 IPL titles and had also the Champions League T20 twice, in 2010 and 2014.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday welcomed the IPL franchises - CSK and Rajasthan Royals - back into the League.

The two franchises have completed the two-year suspension imposed by the Supreme Court appointed Justice (Retd.) Lodha Committee and will now participate in the IPL.

BCCI acting president CK Khanna said: "VIVO IPL will be enriched by the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Both the teams have enjoyed tremendous on-field success and have a mass following. The loyal fans will again get to see their favourite teams and stars in action from the upcoming season of the VIVO IPL."

Earlier, the apex court had imposed the penalty of two-year suspension on CSK from playing in IPL in 2015. The penalty ended on 13 July and the management of the team is back in action.