Kamal Ghorui
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has already started his build-up for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, with the Chennai Super Kings icon returning to the nets ahead of what will be his 17th campaign with the franchise.The 44-year-old was seen fully padded up and batting during a practice session in a video shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association on its official social media handles. JSCA hailed Dhoni as its pride while posting the clip on Instagram, writing, “Look who is back. Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni.”The video also captured a relaxed Dhoni chatting with former India and Jharkhand batter Saurabh Tiwary, who previously served as JSCA secretary, before stepping in to train.
Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket in 2020 but has continued to be a constant presence in the IPL, where his association with CSK remains one of the most enduring stories of the tournament. He continues to be a key figure in the Super Kings set-up and plays a vital role in the team’s leadership group.As captain, Dhoni led CSK to five IPL titles, establishing the franchise as one of the most successful in league history. However, the 2025 season proved difficult for the Chennai-based side. CSK finished at the bottom of the points table after managing just four wins from 14 matches.Dhoni also endured a rare lean season with the bat. The experienced 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 even stepped in as captain during Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury absence.Despite recent struggles, Dhoni’s IPL record remains exceptional. He has amassed 5,439 runs in 278 matches at an average of 38.80, striking at 137.45, with 24 half-centuries and a top score of 84 not out.One of Indian cricket’s modern greats, Dhoni captained India across all formats and led the team to the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. His contributions have been recognised with the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
