Indian cricket icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni has officially initiated his preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season, marking an early start to what will be his remarkable 17th campaign with the Chennai Super Kings franchise. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter was spotted fully geared up and actively batting during a dedicated practice session, as captured in a video shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association on its official social media platforms.
Dhoni's Early Return to the Nets
The Jharkhand State Cricket Association proudly showcased Dhoni's return to training, hailing him as their pride in an Instagram post that read, "Look who is back. Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni." The 44-year-old cricketer, who announced his retirement from international cricket back in 2020, continues to be a pivotal figure in the IPL, maintaining his enduring association with CSK as one of the tournament's most celebrated stories.
A Relaxed Yet Focused Session
In the shared video footage, Dhoni appeared relaxed yet determined, engaging in a casual conversation with former India and Jharkhand batter Saurabh Tiwary, who previously served as the JSCA secretary, before stepping into the nets to train. This early return to practice underscores Dhoni's commitment to regaining form and fitness ahead of the new season, especially after a difficult IPL 2025 for both him and his team.
Reflecting on a Challenging 2025 Season
The 2025 IPL season proved to be particularly tough for the Chennai Super Kings, as the franchise finished at the bottom of the points table with only four victories from their fourteen matches. Dhoni himself experienced a rare lean patch with the bat during this campaign, scoring 196 runs across 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, with his highest score being an unbeaten 30.
Despite these recent struggles, Dhoni's overall IPL record remains nothing short of exceptional. Over his illustrious career, he has accumulated 5,439 runs in 278 matches, boasting an impressive average of 38.80 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 half-centuries and a top score of 84 not out.
Leadership and Legacy
Dhoni continues to play a vital role within the Chennai Super Kings leadership group, even stepping in as captain during Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury absence in the previous season. As captain, he led CSK to five IPL titles, cementing the franchise's status as one of the most successful in the league's history.
Beyond the IPL, Dhoni's contributions to Indian cricket are monumental. As one of the nation's modern greats, he captained India across all formats, guiding the team to historic victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. His extraordinary achievements have been recognized with prestigious national honors, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
Looking Ahead to IPL 2026
With his early return to the nets in Jharkhand, Dhoni is clearly focused on bouncing back stronger for the 2026 season. His dedication to training ahead of schedule highlights his unwavering passion for the game and his commitment to the Chennai Super Kings, as fans eagerly anticipate his performance in what promises to be another thrilling chapter of his legendary career.
