IPL 2026: MS Dhoni training at JSCA Stadium in Ranchi
What's the story
MS Dhoni, the legendary former Indian cricket team captain, is leaving no stone unturned to prepare for IPL 2026. The 44-year-old has been training rigorously at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, spending nearly five hours daily on fitness and match simulations, as per The Times of India. Despite Chennai Super Kings's (CSK) disappointing performance in IPL 2025, CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed last week that Dhoni will not retire before IPL 2026.
Training schedule
Dhoni's daily routine at the JSCA Stadium
The Times of India adds that Dhoni's daily routine at the JSCA Stadium involves a mix of gym workouts, power-hitting practice, and swimming. He arrives at the stadium around 1:30pm IST and spends an hour in the gym. After that, he practices power-hitting in the nets for two hours. If conditions permit, he also conducts match simulations on the center wicket. His day ends with a half-hour swimming session before leaving around 6:00pm IST.
Role speculation
What does Samson's arrival mean for Dhoni?
As Sanju Samson is set to join CSK from Rajasthan Royals in a trade deal, it remains to be seen what role the former captain will play. Dhoni started his journey with CSK in 2008 and has led them to five IPL titles. He could pick and choose games, with CSK possibly handing over wicketkeeping duties to Samson to ease his workload. However, in games which Dhoni plays, Samson will be an outfielder.
Dhoni
Dhoni led CSK in IPL 2025 season
In the 2025 season, Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out midway through the tournament due to a hairline fracture in his elbow. Dhoni stepped in as the stand-in skipper but couldn't change CSK's fortunes as they finished at the bottom of the table. Dhoni, who batted at even No. 9, finished the 2025 season with 196 runs from 14 matches at a strike rate of 135.17.