Watch: MS Dhoni visits Deori Maa Temple ahead of IPL 2026 season

The former Indian wicket-keeper batter, MS Dhoni, has followed his ritual of visiting the Deori Maa Temple ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), as the video went viral on social media platforms. Amidst the massive crowd, Dhoni entered the temple with high security and broke a coconut, besides taking blessings from the goddess.

MS Dhoni has overall smashed 5439 runs in 242 innings of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, with the help of 24 half-centuries. In the previous season, he collected only 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, thanks to the best score of 30 runs.

See Also: Watch: ‘Keeping away my…’- Sanju Samson reacts to playing in Chennai ahead of IPL 2026

In the previous six seasons, Dhoni hasn’t crossed the 250-run mark, which is a reflection of his age factor, which was seen even in his wicket-keeping skills at times in the last edition of the competition. The Ranchi-born would hope to bring the same aggression and power to the lower order and provide value in the leadership department.

MS Dhoni takes blessings in Deori Maa Temple before IPL 2026 season

The CSK CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, spoke to NDTV that the former captain would continue to play in the upcoming season of the IPL, which was an uncertainty among a few fans, despite the wicket-keeper batter being retained ahead of this season. He led the side in the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad last year.

Watch the video here: 

The batting line-up will look a bit different for this franchise in 2026. Their newly signed player, Sanju Samson, is expected to open the batting with Ayush Mhatre, while their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, could drop himself down at three to face the spinners, along with Dewald Brevis.

Shivam Dube will continue to be the hitter with power against spin in the middle order. However, they will be without their veteran spin all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, and the eyes will be on the young players to stand up and put their name ahead in the eleven. The IPL 2026 is expected to begin on March 26, 2026.