In pictures: Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings start practice in the UAE

Look who's back: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the iconic Chennai Super Kings captain, loosens up with a game of football at the ICC Academy ground in Dubai. Chennai, three-time champions and holders Mumbai Indians, were the first two teams to arrive in the UAE more than a week back to begin preparations for their unfinished business in IPL 2021. The two heavyweights will kick off the UAE leg with a blockbuster in Dubai on September 19.

Junior Tendulkar is here: Arjun Tendulkar (right), a left-arm medium pacer by business, picks up the role of of an upright seam from Dhawal Kulkarni, experienced seamer of Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi. The five-time champions have once again made their base at the St. Regis Hotel in Sadiyat Island.

In full swing: Ishan Kishan, promising Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper-batsman who made his international debut earlier this year, shapes for one of his big shots.

Raring to go: Mumbai Indians' Ishan Kishan (right) and Anukul Roy race ahead of their first practice session.

Warm-up time: Mumbai Indians players indulge in a game of football before getting down to hard practice.

Down-time: Like last season, the team management of Mumbai Indians have invested a lot of planning to set up their recreation zone in the team hotel in an effort to spare the players the tedious nature of life in a Bio Bubble.

Jam session: The recreation zone also had a small podium for impromptu 'concerts' for the players and support staff.

Raina returns: Suresh Raina, the Chennai Super Kings vice-captain who has won many a battle for his team with 'MSD,' busy in a football session. He was conspicuously absent in CSK's campaign in the UAE last year as he left the camp just before the tournament began.

Game on: Robin Uthappa, a former international who hasn't had much game time for CSK in the India leg, keeps himself fit with football.

Bonding session: M.S.Dhoni, Robin Uthappa, Deepak Chahar strike a pose with another team member and support staff during practice in Dubai.