MS Dhoni Begins Preparations for IPL 2026 with Chennai Super Kings

January 24, 2026

Ranchi: Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has begun preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season. The 44-year-old will represent Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the 17th time and was seen padded up and batting in the nets in a video shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on their social media platforms.

JSCA Hails Dhoni as Pride of Jharkhand

JSCA called Dhoni their pride and wrote, “Look who is back. Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni,” in the caption of their Instagram post. In the clip, Dhoni can be seen chatting with JSCA secretary Saurabh Tiwary while gearing up for the nets.

Continuing IPL Journey Post-Retirement

Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020 but continues to represent CSK in the IPL. He remains one of the most influential players in the team and a core member of the leadership group. Under his captaincy, CSK has won five IPL titles.

Last season, however, CSK had a disappointing run, finishing last in the points table with only four wins out of fourteen matches. Dhoni’s own performance was underwhelming, scoring just 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, with a best score of 30*. He also captained the team in Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence due to injury.

Dhoni’s Legacy in IPL and Indian Cricket

Despite the recent dip in form, Dhoni remains one of the finest batters in IPL history, amassing 5,439 runs in 278 matches and 242 innings at an average of 38.80, a strike rate of 137.45, with 24 fifties and a best score of 84*.

A modern-day legend, Dhoni has led India in all three formats and is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2018), Padma Shri (2009), and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2008). He captained India to the T20 World Cup title in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket.