The former Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, MS Dhoni, has started his first practice session ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Ranchi, as the video went viral on social media platforms. He returns to the field, nearly two months before the start of the 19th edition of the 20-over franchise event.

The Jharkhand State Cricket Association shared the clip on their social media as the former wicket-keeper batter, MS Dhoni, was seen enjoying the session. He was also seen to be having a chat with the former JSCA honorary secretary, Saurab Tiwary, while gearing up for the nets session.

See Also: “Fixing life…”- RJ Mahvash breaks silence on unfollowing Yuzvendra Chahal on Instagram

The 44-year-old retired from all forms of cricket in 2020 across the three international formats, except for the IPL, where he continues to be part of the CSK franchise. There was a rumor in the 2023 season of the tournament that Dhoni was reported to be playing his last season, but he has extended his stay in the side for the next three seasons since that period.

MS Dhoni returns to CSK’s practice session in Ranchi

CSK is now under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who took over the responsibility in the 2024 season of the tournament. Despite this, Dhoni remains the most important member of the side, as he returned to captain the team when Gaikwad was out of the side when the Maharashtra-born was ruled out due to an injury in 2025.

Watch the video here: 

THALA DHONI PRACTICE SESSION FOR IPL. 💥 [JSCA] pic.twitter.com/U78LtGnwlV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 24, 2026

CSK and MS Dhoni will be without their long-time server and the premier left-arm spin all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, for the new 2026 season of the tournament, as the Saurashtra player has made his way to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in place of Sanju Samson, who is now expected to open the batting for the yellow franchise.

“I am a part of CSK, so I can’t imagine any other team winning the IPL trophy. But it was long-awaited. They (RCB) played really well. Big congratulations to them.” Dhoni said recently in an event while responding to the query of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning their maiden IPL in 2025.