MS Dhoni Returns to Nets in Ranchi, Kicks Off Preparations for IPL 2026 Season
The cricketing world is abuzz as former Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni has officially begun his training for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season. In a significant development, Dhoni was spotted at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) facilities in his hometown of Ranchi, where he was seen gearing up for practice sessions.
JSCA Shares Exclusive Video of Dhoni's Return
The JSCA's official social media handle recently posted a captivating video showcasing Dhoni's return to the cricket field. The video, shared on Instagram, was captioned "Pride of JSCA. Look who is back. Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni", highlighting the association's admiration for their most celebrated cricketer.
In the footage, Dhoni is clearly visible padding up and preparing to hit the nets, demonstrating his commitment to returning to competitive form. The video also captures a meaningful interaction between Dhoni and former Indian cricketer Saurabh Tiwary, who currently serves as the secretary of JSCA. This conversation between the two cricket personalities adds an interesting dimension to Dhoni's training regimen.
Dhoni's Continued Franchise Cricket Journey
Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has maintained his presence in franchise cricket, exclusively representing Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. His loyalty to the franchise is remarkable, having played for CSK in all seasons except 2016 and 2017, when the team was temporarily banned from the tournament. During those two seasons, Dhoni showcased his skills with the Rising Pune Supergiants.
Reflecting on CSK's Challenging IPL 2025 Campaign
The previous IPL season proved particularly challenging for both Dhoni and his team. CSK endured a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the points table with only four victories from their fourteen league matches. The team's struggles were evident as they accumulated just eight points, tying with the Rajasthan Royals for the lowest tally among all franchises.
Dhoni himself faced difficulties with the bat during this period, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17. The season saw Dhoni stepping into a leadership role as stand-in captain following an injury to regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad early in the tournament. Despite the team's overall performance, CSK managed to secure two victories in their final three matches, though they became the first team eliminated from playoff contention.
The Significance of IPL 2026 for Dhoni's Career
The upcoming 2026 season holds special importance as it could potentially mark Dhoni's final year in the IPL. At 44 years old, Dhoni stands as one of the oldest players ever to participate in the league, making each season increasingly significant for his illustrious career.
CSK has demonstrated a strategic shift in their approach, evident in their recent auction decisions. The franchise made substantial investments in young talent, spending a combined 28.40 crore rupees to acquire promising players like UP all-rounder Prashant Veer and Rajasthan big-hitter Kartik Sharma, paying 14.20 crore rupees for each player. This focus on youth development suggests CSK is building for the future while still relying on Dhoni's experience and leadership.
Dhoni's return to training in Ranchi signals his determination to prepare thoroughly for what could be a landmark season in his storied career. As fans eagerly await his return to competitive action, this early preparation demonstrates his professional approach and dedication to the sport that has made him a cricketing icon across India and beyond.
