In a poignant display of his still youthful spirit, Chennai Super Kings icon MS Dhoni has once again captivated cricket fans with a mesmerizing new video that is going viral on social media. The 44-year-old legend, universally adored as Thala, was spotted having a relaxed moment on the stadium turf, sharing some playful time with IPL’s favorite robot dog, Champak.
MS Dhoni’s candid video
In an adorable 15-second clip shared by the Chennai Super Kings official handle, MS Dhoni is seen playfully having fun with IPL’s robot dog Champak right on the stadium grass. The short video, which was posted with the caption ‘Pookie Thala falls into your feed’, has already crossed thousands of likes and shares within hours.
In the footage, Dhoni can be seen in his blue and yellow CSK training kit lying on the green grass and laughing heartily as he rolls and happily interacts with the robotic companion. He kicks his feet in the air, sits up with a big smile and even cuddles with Champak while the robot dog moves around him. An employee stands nearby, smiling as he controls a gadget.
Champak: The adorable robot steals the spotlight
Champak is not just any gadget; became a fan favorite during IPL broadcasts. The IPL called on fans to help name the robotic dog, and votes poured in until Champak was officially named. Covered in a brown fur-like print with a camera where its face would be, this little robot offers unique visuals on the ground from a dog’s perspective. It works like a GoPro-style action camera, zooming along the sidelines and perimeter of the field to bring fans closer to the action than ever before.
Inspired by the famous four-legged robots from Boston Dynamics in the United States, Champak is a smaller, playful version created for cricket. These robots are commonly used for demanding jobs such as military logistics or inspection of dangerous places. But the IPL version is all about entertainment. It can run, jump, obey voice commands and even draw a heart shape with its front legs. Watching Dhoni bond with him is wholesome and perfectly captures the joyous spirit of the league.
Ms Dhoni is likely to play in the MI vs CSK clash
The video created a new excitement among CSK fans. Many fans pointed out how energetic and fit Dhoni looked when he played with Champak, leading to hopeful comments and wishes for his return to the playing XI. Dhoni was earlier rested in IPL 2026 due to fitness concerns, but this light session on the grass suggests he could be gearing up for action. While nothing has been confirmed by the team management yet, the clip has left everyone wondering if we will soon see the captain chilling in yellow.
CSK are gearing up for a crucial clash against Mumbai Indians
As the tournament heats up, all eyes are now on the upcoming Chennai Super Kings match. The team will face Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on April 23. This high-stakes game could be a turning point for CSK’s campaign and Dhoni’s eventual return would give the team a massive boost in morale and experience.
