Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni is once again proving that age is just a number, as reports suggest he has been training rigorously at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) International Stadium ahead of the IPL 2026 season. According to The Times of India, the 44-year-old veteran dedicates over four and a half hours daily to his fitness and batting routines — including gym workouts, power-hitting sessions, and match simulations whenever the pitch is available.
Despite slowing reflexes and an increasingly injury-prone body, MS Dhoni’s commitment to his craft remains unwavering. He no longer plays any form of competitive cricket outside the IPL, but that hasn’t stopped him from preparing with the same intensity that defined his playing days.
CSK officials have already confirmed that MS Dhoni will return for IPL 2026, ensuring his retention before the November 15 deadline. This will make him the second-oldest cricketer in the tournament’s history to feature in a season.
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A JSCA official revealed details of Dhoni’s disciplined routine: “He arrives at the stadium around 1:30 pm, hits the gym for an hour, and then heads to the nets for two hours of power-hitting. If the centre wicket is available, he simulates match conditions. After that, he winds down with a 30-minute swimming session and leaves by 6 pm. It’s classic Mahi — focused and relentless.”
🚨MS DHONI IS GEARING UP FOR IPL 2026🚨
– 5 Hours training.
– Gym.
– Power Hitting.
– Match Simulation.
– Swimming.Thala Dhoni’s routine since last 2 months.[JSCA Official]🔥#MSDhoni #CSK #WhistlePodupic.twitter.com/fltq3Yziqj
— 𝙈𝙎𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙎𝙖𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙝 (@mahi163199) November 13, 2025
Last season, MS Dhoni’s retention for ₹4 crore was made possible due to a BCCI rule allowing franchises to list retired international players under the uncapped category for five years.
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Meanwhile, CSK are reportedly negotiating a trade with Rajasthan Royals (RR) involving Sanju Samson, in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. If finalised, Samson’s arrival could ease MS Dhoni’s workload behind the stumps — giving the CSK skipper a chance to manage his fitness better as he gears up for one last season of magic.
