MS Dhoni has kicked off his preparations for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, igniting excitement among fans and sparking fresh retirement talk as the legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) campaign draws closer. A video shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) showing Dhoni padding up for batting practice in the nets in Ranchi went viral on social media, reminding cricket followers that Thala remains deeply connected to the game even as his playing career approaches its twilight.

Viral nets video sets social media alight

In the short clip shared by JSCA, Dhoni could be seen putting on batting pads and stepping into a practice session ahead of the 2026 IPL season. The visuals also showed him conversing casually with former India batter and JSCA official Saurabh Tiwary before heading into the nets, a moment that quickly spread across social media. Wearing the unmistakable yellow pads of CSK, Dhoni’s return to training generated immediate buzz and anticipation among his massive fanbase.

The early start to his preparations, with more than two months remaining before the IPL’s kickoff, scheduled between March 26 and May 31, was interpreted by many supporters as a sign that Dhoni is serious about CSK’s title ambitions and readying himself physically and mentally for another full season.

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Reflecting on a challenging 2025 season

Dhoni’s 2025 IPL campaign was far from his most dominant. The Chennai Super Kings endured a difficult year, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins from 14 matches, marking their worst finish in nearly two decades. Midway through the season, Dhoni briefly reassumed captaincy after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an injury, but the team was unable to capitalise on the change and missed the playoffs once again.

Individually, Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 innings during the 2025 season at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, numbers below the lofty benchmarks he set earlier in his career. Throughout the tournament he remained an asset with the gloves and behind the scenes as a senior leader, but his batting contributions were less impactful than in past seasons.

Despite the dip in effect with the bat, Dhoni etched his name into IPL history during the 2025 season by becoming the first wicketkeeper to surpass 200 dismissals in the tournament, a milestone that celebrated his longevity and skill behind the stumps.

Why IPL 2026 could be his final season

Questions about Dhoni’s future have persisted, especially because of his age, he will be 45 few months after the end of 2026 season, and the physical demands of T20 cricket. After the 2025 campaign, Dhoni himself acknowledged that fitness and contribution would guide his decision on whether to continue playing, saying he needed time (about four to five months) to assess his body and hunger for another season.

The 2025 season also sparked debate among fans and commentators over whether Dhoni’s extended career was impacting his legacy; some argue that while he remains valuable as a mentor and leader, his on-field output has naturally tapered. Others, including former players and team insiders, have defended him, noting that his presence still inspires young teammates and that his leadership remains invaluable.

With that backdrop, many supporters believe IPL 2026 could be Dhoni’s final season as a player, a fitting curtain call for one of the game’s most influential figures. Others hope he might extend beyond 2026 in some capacity, even if not as a regular feature in every match.

What to expect from Dhoni in 2026

If Dhoni does play the full IPL 2026 season, it will likely be defined by a blend of roles: a seasoned finisher with the bat, a guiding force in the middle order, and a senior presence for a young CSK squad that includes talents such as Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis.

His wicketkeeping, tactical acumen, and calm under pressure will again be assets CSK can lean on, especially in tight games. Even if he does not feature in every match, Dhoni’s involvement in training, strategy and mentoring younger players is expected to be significant. He would be the mentor of team & might also consider playing as impact sub in some matches.

IPL buzz kicks off courtesy Thala

MS Dhoni’s decision to step into the nets ahead of IPL 2026 has done more than start his preparation; it has ignited imagination and discussion about one of modern cricket’s most illustrious careers. Whether it proves to be his swansong or simply another chapter, Dhoni’s presence continues to define the narrative of the IPL, both for Chennai Super Kings and for fans around the world who have followed his journey from a raw wicketkeeper to one of the sport’s all-time greats.

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