Dhoni Begins Net Sessions in Ranchi Ahead of IPL 2026

Ranchi: Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has started his preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, returning to net practice in Ranchi. The 44-year-old, who will represent Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the 17th time, was seen batting in the nets in a video shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on its social media platforms.

Welcoming his return, JSCA hailed Dhoni as their pride, captioning the Instagram post: “Look who is back. Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni.”

The video also shows Dhoni interacting with JSCA secretary Saurabh Tiwary as he prepared for his batting session.

Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020 but has continued to feature in the IPL, remaining a key figure for CSK. One of the most influential players in the franchise’s history, he is a core member of the leadership group and led the team to five IPL titles during his captaincy tenure.

CSK endured a difficult campaign last season, finishing at the bottom of the points table with just four wins from 14 matches. Dhoni too had a modest season, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, with a highest score of 30*. He also stepped in as captain in the absence of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad due to injury.

Despite the recent dip in form, Dhoni remains one of the most accomplished batters in IPL history. He has amassed 5,439 runs in 278 matches at an average of 38.80 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 half-centuries, with a best score of 84 not out.

A modern-day legend of Indian cricket, the wicketkeeper-batter led India across all three formats and guided the team to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011. Dhoni, who represented India from 2004 to 2019, is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2018), Padma Shri (2009), and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2008).

--IANS