IPL 9: Here are the reasons why Pune skipper MS Dhoni loves team's home venue

New Delhi: In the coming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mahendra Singh Dhoni will lead a newly formed franchise Rising Pune Super Giants.

And in the 9th edition of the cash-rich league, Pune team's home venue is going to be the Maharashtra Cricket Association's International Stadium at Gahunje.

And interestingly Team India's limited-overs skipper, Dhoni loves this venue for many reasons.

Here are the reasons Dhoni gave to like Pune as a cricket venue.

"I am fond of dogs and there are a lot of dogs at this ground," - referring to the two dozen dogs of different breed that are housed inside the stadium structure.

Dhoni is an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army. And the city is the headquarters of Indian Army's Southern Command and also has an Indian Air Force base station. "And when you come here you also have the opportunity to see fighter planes. There is more to do here than playing cricket. These are good attractions. The crowd also supports you well,".

“The wicket here is a bit more settled now. It's not a very big ground, it's a decent-sized ground and the straight boundaries are not very long.”

“Though it's a bit away from the city, the crowds come in big numbers and are also very supportive."

(With Agency inouts)