MS Dhoni seems to be preparing in full flow for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Even though he retired from international cricket back in 2020, he continues to stay active in the IPL and remains a key figure for Chennai Super Kings.
As the retention deadline approaches, details of Dhoni’s intense training routine have started to surface. A Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) official revealed that the former India captain has been putting in more than three hours of practice every day for the last two months.
“His routine has been fixed for the last two months. He comes to the stadium at 1:30 pm, hits the gym for an hour, then pads up and does power-hitting training in the nets for two hours. If the centre wicket is available and no match is happening, he also does match simulations. Mahi signs out after a swimming session for another half an hour. He leaves the complex at 6 pm,” a JSCA official told TOI on the condition of anonymity.
“He is just doing the Mahi things that he has done all his life – working hard.”
CSK Hoping for MS Dhoni’s Return
MS Dhoni, who has been the face of CSK since the very beginning of the league in 2008, stepped back into the captaincy role midway through IPL 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out with an elbow injury. Unfortunately, the season didn’t go well for the franchise, as CSK ended at the bottom of the table with only four wins in 14 games.
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Despite the tough season, there’s optimism that MS Dhoni will be seen again in yellow. “He is likely to play, that is the current status. We have a feeling that he will play in this upcoming IPL,” Viswanathan said.
If MS Dhoni returns for IPL 2026, it will be his 17th season with CSK and his 19th overall in the tournament, excluding the two years CSK were suspended.
Dhoni’s Incredible IPL Legacy
Across his long IPL career, MS Dhoni has played 248 matches for CSK, scoring 4,865 runs and leading the team to five titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Overall, he has 5,439 runs in 278 matches, along with 158 catches and 47 stumpings. His connection with CSK remains as strong as ever, and fans will be eager to see him extend his journey for another season.
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All Eyes on IPL 2026 Retentions
With the retention deadline set for November 15, the cricket world is watching closely for any major moves. Over the past few months, reports have suggested that Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson could be traded, with CSK and Delhi Capitals believed to be potential destinations.
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