MS Dhoni’s return to training mode has once again set the cricketing world buzzing, with the Chennai Super Kings legend beginning his preparations nearly two months before the next Indian Premier League season. A video shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on social media shows the former India captain padding up for a batting session, offering fans an early glimpse of “Thala” back in action.
In the clip, the 44-year-old is seen chatting casually with former JSCA honorary secretary Saurabh Tiwary while getting ready for the nets. Although Dhoni officially retired from international cricket in 2020, the IPL remains the only format where he continues to play, representing Chennai Super Kings — the franchise he has defined for over a decade.
Under MS Dhoni’s iconic leadership, CSK lifted five IPL titles and established themselves as one of the league’s most consistent teams. While Ruturaj Gaikwad now leads the side, Dhoni continues to be a vital presence in the CSK dressing room, both as a player and a mentor.
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His importance was underlined during the previous season when he was forced to take over the captaincy midway through after Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an injury that ruled him out of the tournament. Despite Dhoni’s return to the helm, CSK endured a difficult campaign, finishing at the bottom of the points table and missing out on the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
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Away from CSK matters, IPL 2025 marked a historic moment as Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally clinched their maiden title. Dhoni, known for his sportsmanship, was quick to congratulate RCB for ending their long wait.
“I am a part of CSK, so I can’t imagine any other team winning the IPL trophy. But it was long awaited. They played really well. Big congratulations to them,” MS Dhoni said at a public event, adding that every competitor naturally wants their own team to win, though results don’t always follow expectations.
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Meanwhile, the official schedule for IPL 2026 is yet to be announced and is expected only after polling dates for assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are finalised.
