Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni has begun his batting preparations ahead of the upcoming IPL season, sparking excitement among fans once again. The franchise shared a video on social media showing the 44-year-old icon fine-tuning his skills during a practice session in Ranchi, a familiar setting where Dhoni has often prepared away from the spotlight.
Despite skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad being in red-hot form in domestic cricket, CSK continue to place their trust in Dhoni as the team’s marquee figure while chasing a record sixth IPL title. The faith remains intact even after a disappointing previous season, where CSK finished at the bottom of the table with just four wins from 14 matches.
MS Dhoni himself endured a rare lean patch, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, with a top score of 30*. He also stepped in as captain during Gaikwad’s injury absence, underlining his leadership value.
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The spotlight on Dhoni has intensified following the arrival of Sanju Samson in a high-profile trade from Rajasthan Royals. While questions around Dhoni’s role continue, his IPL legacy remains unmatched.
A treat, every time he bats 🥳✨
Superfans, you know what time it is 🔜🦁#WhistlePodu
🎥 : Jharkhand cricket association pic.twitter.com/VY6okLqVVC— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 26, 2026
The former India captain has amassed 5,439 runs in 278 IPL matches at an impressive average of 38.80 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 half-centuries. CSK’s future, however, also looks promising. The emergence of young talents like Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel stood out last season.
Ahead of the new campaign, CSK further strengthened their squad by securing Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for ₹14.20 crore each, making them the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history. With experience, youth, and renewed hunger, CSK’s build-up to the season feels quietly intriguing—starting, as always, with MS Dhoni back in the nets.
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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 (₹75 lakh), Kartik Sharma (₹14.20 Cr), Prashant Veer (₹14.20 Cr), Matthew Short (₹1.50 Cr), Aman Khan (₹40 lakh), Zak Foulkes (₹75 lakh), Akeal Hosein (₹2 Cr), Rahul Chahar (₹5.2 Cr), Matt Henry (₹2 Cr).
