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MS Dhoni Meets CM Hemant Soren, IPL Prep Begins Amid CSK's Title Hopes

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni met with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in Ranchi. The meeting was shared by the CM on social media as Dhoni commences his batting practice ahead of the upcoming IPL season. After a disappointing last season where CSK finished at the bottom, the franchise is looking to bounce back with Dhoni as a key marquee player. The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 31, following the T20 World Cup.

Key Points: MS Dhoni meets Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, gears up for IPL 2026

  • Dhoni meets Jharkhand CM
  • Begins IPL batting practice
  • CSK's poor 2025 season
  • Aim for sixth IPL title
  • IPL 2026 schedule set
2 min read

MS Dhoni meets Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren

MS Dhoni met Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren in Ranchi. The CSK icon begins batting practice as the franchise aims for a sixth IPL title.

"I suddenly met Mahi. - Hemant Soren"

Ranchi, January 30

Former Indian World Cup-winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni met Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in Ranchi on Thursday.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren posted pictures with Dhoni on his X handle and wrote, "I suddenly met Mahi."

India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK)'s trophy-collecting icon, Dhoni, has also started batting practice ahead of this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

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, a strike rate of 137.45, and 24 fifties, including a best of 84*.

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. 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 aim to make it six titles this season.

IPL 2026 will be held between March 26 and May 31, in the same window as in recent years. The 19th edition of the IPL will kick off roughly three weeks after the conclusion of the men's T20 World Cup, which is scheduled from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"I suddenly met Mahi" 😂 Love the casual caption from the CM. Dhoni is a legend beyond cricket in Jharkhand. A true icon who puts our state on the map.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I think the article focuses too much on last season's failure. One bad season doesn't define CSK or Dhoni. The core is strong, and with Samson coming in, the middle order looks exciting. Thala's experience is priceless in the dressing room.
S
Sarah B
The stats are incredible for someone his age. A strike rate of 137 over 278 matches is phenomenal. The trade for Sanju Samson is interesting though. Will Dhoni play as a pure batter this season?
V
Vikram M
As a fan from Ranchi, this makes me so proud. From a small-town boy to meeting Chief Ministers and being a global star – what a journey! His humility remains the same. Wishing him all the best for IPL 2026.
K
Karthik V
The schedule is tight after the T20 World Cup. Hope our Indian players get enough rest. But nothing beats the IPL fever! CSK's yellow brigade is ready. #WhistlePodu

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