MS Dhoni Begins IPL 2026 Prep, Mentors Young Cricketers at Ranchi Nets

Former India captain MS Dhoni has officially begun preparations for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, with the veteran wicketkeeper-batter recently spotted training at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium. The Ranchi nets session not only marked the start of Dhoni’s pre-season routine but also highlighted his continued role as a mentor to emerging cricketers.

A video shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association showed Dhoni facing a group of young bowlers during an intense practice session. Wearing his trademark yellow pads, the 44-year-old focused on defensive drills, timing, and balance while offering technical advice to youngsters between deliveries. The visuals quickly went viral, sparking excitement among fans eager to see the former skipper back in competitive action.

With nearly two months remaining before IPL 2026 gets underway, Dhoni’s early return to the nets signals his intent to remain match-ready despite having retired from international cricket in 2020. While his appearances are now limited to the IPL, his presence continues to command attention, both for his on-field skills and his leadership influence.

Dhoni remains deeply associated with Chennai Super Kings, the franchise he led to five IPL titles and transformed into one of the most successful teams in league history. Although Ruturaj Gaikwad has taken over as CSK’s full-time captain, Dhoni continues to serve as the side’s emotional anchor and tactical sounding board.

The 2025 IPL season proved to be a rare low point for CSK. The franchise finished at the bottom of the table for the first time, managing only four wins from 14 matches and missing the playoffs for a second straight year. Midway through the campaign, Dhoni was forced to step back into the captaincy role after Gaikwad was ruled out due to injury, underlining the team’s continued reliance on his leadership during moments of crisis.

Individually, Dhoni endured a subdued season by his lofty standards. He scored 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50, maintaining a strike rate of 135.17. While those numbers reflected a dip compared to previous years, his finishing ability and sharp wicketkeeping remained assets for the side.

In response to the disappointing campaign, CSK overhauled parts of their squad at the mini-auction, bringing in several young players with an eye on rebuilding for the future. The franchise is expected to blend youth with experience in IPL 2026, and Dhoni’s role as a guide for the next generation is likely to be as important as his contributions with the bat.

His mentoring stint at the Ranchi nets reinforced that reputation. Over the years, Dhoni has earned widespread respect for nurturing young talent, offering calm, practical advice rooted in experience rather than flamboyance. For the youngsters training alongside him, the opportunity to learn directly from one of Indian cricket’s most successful captains is invaluable.

As IPL 2026 approaches, speculation around Dhoni’s future continues, but his actions suggest one thing clearly: preparation, discipline and purpose remain unchanged. Whether this season marks another chapter or the final act of his IPL journey, Dhoni appears determined to make it count — not just for CSK, but for the players he continues to inspire along the way.