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MS Dhoni Sharpens Back-Foot Defence in CSK's IPL 2026 Prep Session

MS Dhoni has begun batting practice for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, with a CSK video highlighting his focus on defence and back-foot play. The five-time champions are looking to bounce back after a disappointing last-place finish in 2025. The franchise has added wicketkeeper Sanju Samson via trade and made record-breaking buys in the auction. Fans are hopeful the legendary finisher can rediscover his form and lead a charge for a sixth title.

Key Points: MS Dhoni IPL 2026 Practice: Focus on Defence & Back-Foot Play

  • Dhoni focuses on defence in practice
  • CSK aims for sixth IPL title
  • Dhoni had a tough 2025 season
  • Sanju Samson joins in major trade
  • CSK made record uncapped player buys
2 min read

MS Dhoni focuses on steady defence, back-footed play in practice session ahead of IPL 2026

CSK posts video of MS Dhoni's batting practice focusing on steady defence ahead of IPL 2026. Can Thala lead the five-time champs to a sixth title?

"A treat, every time he bats. Superfans, you know what time it is. - CSK Instagram"

Ranchi, January 26

India and Chennai Super Kings's trophy-collecting icon MS Dhoni started batting practice ahead of this year's Indian Premier League season.

The official CSK Instagram handle posted a video of the 44-year-old legend's practice session, focusing on defence and strong back-foot play.

"A treat, every time he bats. Superfans, you know what time it is," said the caption of CSK's post.

With his skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in red-hot form in domestic cricket, CSK, the five-time champions, still have 44-year-old superstar Dhoni as their marquee player, and they would be aiming to make it six titles this season.

Last season, CSK finished at the bottom, with just four wins in 14 matches. Dhoni had a lacklustre season, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, with a best score of 30*, and even captained CSK in Gaikwad's absence due to injury. Fans would be hoping that the 'Finisher Thala' will unleash his fury after a tough 2025 season, with the arrival of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson in the franchise in a trade with Rajasthan Royals (RR), putting Dhoni's future in the spotlight.

Dhoni is one of the finest batters in IPL history, with 5,439 runs in 278 matches and 242 innings at an average of 38.80, with a strike rate of 137.45 and 24 fifties with a best score of 84*.

The emergence of young, hard-hitting stars Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel was the best thing for CSK last season. Ahead of this season, they got two record-breaking buys in UP all-rounder Prashant Veer and Rajasthan wicketkeeper Kartik Sharma, each for Rs 14.20 crores, making them the most expensive uncapped players in tournament history.

Chennai Super Kings: Full squad for IPL 2026: Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Jamie Overton, MS Dhoni, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Shreyas Gopal, Syed Khaleel Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Sarfaraz Khan (Rs 75 lakh), Kartik Sharma (Rs 14.20 Cr), Prashant Veer (Rs 14.20 Cr), Matthew Short (Rs 1.50 Cr), Aman Khan (Rs 40 lakh), Zak Foulkes (Rs 75 lakh), Akeal Hosein (Rs 2 Cr), Rahul Chahar (Rs 5.2 Cr), Matt Henry (Rs 2 Cr).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a CSK fan from the US, this video made my day! His back-foot play is still so crisp. But honestly, with the new buys like Prashant Veer and Sanju Samson, I hope the team management has a clear plan. Dhoni's role needs to be defined—is he the main finisher or a mentor playing cameos?
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think we need to be realistic. He's 44 and had a below-par season. The focus should be on building for the future with Ruturaj, Brevis, and the new youngsters. Dhoni's greatness is unquestioned, but CSK can't afford sentimentality if we want that 6th title.
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Priya S
The squad looks balanced on paper! But spending 14 crore each on uncapped players is a huge gamble. Hope Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer justify the price. Meanwhile, just seeing Dhoni in yellow is enough happiness for this season. Whistle Podu! 🎶
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Rohit P
Back-foot play is key on Indian pitches later in the tournament. Smart practice by Mahi bhai. Last year's bottom finish was an aberration. With this mix of youth and experience, and Thala's guidance, top-4 should be the minimum target. #Yellove
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Kavya N
The most exciting part is the young Indian core - Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, and now Sarfaraz Khan for just 75 lakhs looks like a steal! Dhoni's presence will be priceless for their development. The future is bright for CSK.

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