Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi
Ranchi, Jan 24: Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has officially begun preparations for the Indian Premier League 2026, signalling yet another season with Chennai Super Kings, the franchise he has represented since the league’s inception. The 44-year-old was recently spotted batting in the nets, fully padded up, in a video shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on social media.
Welcoming their most celebrated cricketer, JSCA described Dhoni as their pride, captioning the Instagram post: “Look who is back. Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni.” The clip also showed Dhoni in a relaxed mood, chatting with JSCA secretary and former India batter Saurabh Tiwary before stepping into practice.
Dhoni, who stepped away from international cricket in 2020, continues to remain active in the IPL, where his association with CSK has become one of the league’s most enduring legacies. Heading into his 17th season with the Chennai-based franchise, he remains a vital figure in the team’s leadership group and a guiding force in the dressing room.
Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK have lifted the IPL trophy five times, establishing themselves as one of the most successful teams in tournament history. However, the previous season proved challenging, with the five-time champions finishing at the bottom of the points table after managing just four wins in 14 matches.
Individually, Dhoni also endured a difficult campaign. The veteran finisher scored 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, with a highest score of 30 not out. He also briefly took over the captaincy in the absence of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad due to injury.
Despite the dip in recent form, Dhoni’s IPL record remains exceptional. He has amassed 5,439 runs in 278 matches at an impressive average of 38.80 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 half-centuries and a career-best score of 84 not out.
Widely regarded as a modern-day great, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter led India across all three formats and guided the national side to historic triumphs, including the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011. Dhoni’s illustrious career has been recognised with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, Dhoni’s return to training has reignited excitement among fans, who will once again hope to see the iconic captain-scriptwriter produce another memorable chapter in yellow.