WATCH: MS Dhoni sharpens defence, works on back-foot play ahead of IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni has started his batting practice ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which is scheduled to start from March 26. Dhoni, who already retired from all forms of international cricket, has captained the CSK in the last edition of the tournament after their regular skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was ruled out due to injury.

CSK took their official Instagram page and shared a short video of the 44-year-old legend in the nets, where he was seen working on his defence and playing strong shots off the back foot.

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“A treat every time he bats. Superfans, you know what time it is,” CSK wrote in the caption of the post.

CSK's outing in IPL 2025

Last year, CSK had a disappointing campaign and finished at the bottom of the table, managing only four wins from 14 matches. Dhoni also went through a tough season with the bat, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17. His highest score was an unbeaten 30.

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Fans are hopeful that their famous “Finisher Thala” will return to his best after a challenging 2025. The arrival of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who joined CSK in a trade from Rajasthan Royals, has also put the spotlight on Dhoni’s future role in the team.

MS Dhoni's IPL career

Dhoni remains one of the greatest batters in IPL history. He has scored 5,439 runs in 278 matches at an impressive average of 38.80 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 half-centuries. His highest IPL score is 84 not out.

One of the positives for CSK last season was the rise of young hitters like Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel. Ahead of the new season, the franchise also made headlines by signing UP all-rounder Prashant Veer and Rajasthan wicketkeeper Kartik Sharma for ₹14.20 crore each, making them the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.

Chennai Super Kings full squad for IPL 2026

Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Jamie Overton, MS Dhoni, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Shreyas Gopal, Syed Khaleel Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Sarfaraz Khan (Rs 75 lakh), Kartik Sharma (Rs 14.20 Cr), Prashant Veer (Rs 14.20 Cr), Matthew Short (Rs 1.50 Cr), Aman Khan (Rs 40 lakh), Zak Foulkes (Rs 75 lakh), Akeal Hosein (Rs 2 Cr), Rahul Chahar (Rs 5.2 Cr), Matt Henry (Rs 2 Cr).