MS Dhoni starts net practice in Ranchi ahead of IPL 2026, aiming to guide CSK towards a historic sixth title.
Thala is back in the nets and cricket lovers can’t hold themselves. MS Dhoni resumed batting in Ranchi almost 2 months before IPL 2026. The JSCA shared a video of him padding up. Social media exploded seeing their beloved captain picking up the bat again.
The 44-year-old legend remains Chennai Super Kings’ most valuable player despite age catching up. CSK desperately needs Dhoni’s magic after a disastrous IPL 2025 season crashed badly. The five-time champions finished dead last by winning just four matches. This early preparation suggests Dhoni means serious business by hunting title number six.
MS Dhoni Return to the Nets
JSCA’s Instagram post went viral within hours by showing Thala in full gear. “Look who is back. Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni” read the caption proudly. The video caught Dhoni chatting with Saurabh Tiwary while strapping on pads. That familiar calm demeanour hasn’t changed one bit despite retirement from internationals years back.
Starting practice 2 months early shows Dhoni’s love for CSK’s redemption story. IPL 2026 kicks off soon and he’s already grinding within the nets. His legendary health at 44 makes younger cricketers look lazy. The starvation to win stays burning brilliantly inside Captain Cool’s heart.
Ranchi has continually been Dhoni’s citadel in which he prepares for battles in advance. Training in familiar surroundings gives him the comfort and focus needed for challenges. Local fans get excited spotting him at JSCA Stadium practising regularly these days. His presence alone lifts everyone’s spirits in the entire cricket-crazy state completely.
CSK’s Redemption Mission
IPL 2025 was a nightmare CSK wants to forget desperately and quickly. Four wins in fourteen matches put them at the table’s bottom embarrassingly last. Dhoni himself struggled by scoring just 196 runs at 24.50 average throughout the season. His strike rate of 135.17 was well below his usual destructive standards. That best score of 30 not out tells the whole disappointing story clearly.
Ruturaj Gaikwad leads CSK now but MS Dhoni’s experience remains invaluable behind the scenes. The skipper is currently in red-hot domestic form, which bodes well. Sanju Samson’s arrival from Rajasthan Royals creates interesting wicketkeeper dynamics to watch. Questions about Dhoni’s exact role keep surfacing among fans and experts alike.
CSK went crazy at the auction by buying uncapped players for record prices. Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma both cost Rs 14.20 crores each. These became IPL history’s most expensive uncapped purchases ever made at auction. The franchise is gambling big on youth alongside Dhoni’s seasoned presence.
Young guns like Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, and Urvil Patel showed promise last season. CSK is mixing youth with experience by hoping to find that winning formula. The sixth title chase requires everything to click together perfectly this time around.
The MS Dhoni Legend’s Legacy
Dhoni’s IPL numbers remain absolutely ridiculous even after all these years played. He’s scored 5,439 runs across 278 matches in 242 innings in his career. That 38.80 average with 137.45 strike rate is wicketkeeper-finisher goals personified completely. Twenty-four fifties with a best of 84 not out showcase consistency.
His finishing ability in crunch situations became the stuff of legends worldwide. Those trademark helicopter shots sent bowlers into therapy sessions regularly over the years. Dhoni’s calm captaincy makes CSK IPL’s most hit franchise alongside Mumbai. The yellow jersey and number seven have become iconic symbols in cricket culture.
At 44, most cricketers are coaching or commentating from studio couches comfortably. But Dhoni still wants to play, compete, and win championships for fans. This dedication to CSK and cricket inspires millions watching him bat still. The net’s video proves age is just a number when passion burns.
Whether MS Dhoni bats, keeps wickets, or simply mentors from the sidelines remains doubtful currently. But his presence in CSK’s camp makes them dangerous fighters routinely. Other teams know Thala’s tactical brain can change matches in seconds.
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