NewKerala.com

MS Dhoni Begins IPL 2026 Prep in Ranchi, Eyes CSK Comeback

MS Dhoni has commenced his practice sessions in Ranchi ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The Chennai Super Kings, coming off a bottom-place finish in 2025, will rely on the iconic wicketkeeper-batter as a marquee player. The franchise has bolstered its squad with the high-profile trade acquisition of Sanju Samson and record-breaking buys of uncapped players. Fans are hopeful Dhoni will lead a strong comeback campaign for the five-time champions.

Key Points: MS Dhoni Starts Practice for IPL 2026 Season

  • Dhoni starts pre-IPL practice in Ranchi
  • CSK aims for sixth title after last-place finish
  • Sanju Samson joins CSK in major trade
  • CSK made record buys for uncapped players
2 min read

MS Dhoni starts practicing ahead of IPL 2026 season

MS Dhoni begins training in Ranchi ahead of IPL 2026 as CSK aims for a sixth title after a disappointing 2025 season.

"Look who is back. Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni - JSCA Instagram"

Ranchi, January 24

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

The official Instagram handle of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) posted a brief video of Dhoni padding up and picking up his bat, calling him "Pride of JSCA".

"Look who is back. Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni," said the caption of the 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

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's incredible to see his dedication at 44. But CSK's strategy is confusing. They spent a fortune on uncapped players and have Sanju Samson now. Is Dhoni playing a farewell season or a genuine marquee player? The team balance seems off.
V
Vikram M
Pride of Jharkhand indeed! He puts our state on the map. Hope he has one last vintage season in him. The new buys Veer and Sharma have huge pressure, but playing under Dhoni's guidance will be priceless for them.
P
Priya S
Honestly, last season was painful to watch as a CSK fan. The squad looks good on paper, but the magic was missing. I hope Thala focuses on his finishing role and lets Ruturaj handle the captaincy pressure fully. We need the old Dhoni back in the death overs!
R
Rohit P
The man is a legend, no doubt. But at this point, his presence is more about mentorship and brand value. CSK should manage his workload and give maximum chances to young guns like Brevis and Mhatre. The future is now.
M
Meera T
Just seeing him with a bat makes me emotional! He has given us so many memories. Whether we win or lose, CSK is Dhoni and Dhoni is CSK. This season is for you, Mahi bhai! Whistle Podu! 🎉

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50