MS Dhoni turned up the heat in Chennai as he began his first training session ahead of IPL 2026. The Chennai Super Kings star arrived in the city on Saturday, February 28, a warm welcome from the fans who gathered at the airport to catch a glimpse of the iconic cricketer.
Dhoni then headed to CSK’s high-powered center where he joined Ruturaj Gaikwad in the nets. The session showcased Dhoni’s trademark timing and precision: he started with elegant offside drives, followed by sharp back-foot strokes and ended with crisp strikes. Every stroke reflected the calm confidence and purpose that made him a legend of the game.
Unlike last year, Dhoni kept it simple off the field and stepped out of the airport in a maroon crew-neck T-shirt and blue jeans, without any statement clothing. Fans and teammates alike will be watching closely as Captain Cool prepares for the next IPL season.
HOW DHONI PREPARED FOR IPL 2026
Ahead of IPL 2026, Dhoni has undertaken an intensive training block in Ranchi with a strong focus on fitness and match preparation for the season which begins in the last week of March. When he arrived in Chennai on February 28 to join CSK’s pre-season camp, he looked remarkably fit and lean, underlining his determination to reach peak physical condition despite being 44 years old and in the final stages of his career.
Before leaving Ranchi, Dhoni continued a long-standing personal ritual by visiting the Deori Maa temple in Tamar, about 60 kilometers from the city. Dressed simply, he performed a special puja and sought blessings, a tradition he followed before Chennai Super Kings’ previous title-winning seasons, raising hopes among fans for another successful campaign.
Reports suggested that Dhoni followed a disciplined five-hour daily routine at the JSCA Stadium, which started around 1.30 pm. His plan combined two hours of high-intensity clean sessions and match simulations, an hour of strength training and swimming instead of intense cardio. Notably, he also switched to a lighter 1.23 kg bat to increase his bat speed and control over the fast pace.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
01 March 2026 19:58 IST
