A quiet training session in Jharkhand has once again put MS Dhoni’s future in the spotlight, with fans wondering if the former India captain has already started preparing for IPL 2026. A short video shared online has triggered widespread speculation, especially because the new IPL season is still nearly two months away.
The clip, posted by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), shows Dhoni padding up for batting practice at a local ground. At 44, the Chennai Super Kings legend looked relaxed and comfortable as he chatted with former India batter Saurabh Tiwary before heading to the nets. But it wasn’t just the training that caught attention; it was what Dhoni was wearing.
Dhoni Preparing for IPL? Yellow Pads Trigger CSK Fan Frenzy
Fans were quick to notice Dhoni wearing yellow batting pads, a colour instantly associated with Chennai Super Kings. That single detail was enough to send CSK supporters into overdrive, reigniting talk of Dhoni returning for another IPL season.
The JSCA caption added fuel to the speculation, “Look who’s back. Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni.”
While there has been no official word from Dhoni or CSK, the timing of the video has raised eyebrows and renewed curiosity about his plans.
Dhoni and CSK: A Bond Beyond Retirement
Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, but his connection with CSK remains as strong as ever. Under his leadership, the franchise won five IPL titles, establishing itself as one of the most successful teams in league history.
Although Ruturaj Gaikwad now serves as CSK’s full-time captain, Dhoni continues to play a major role both on and off the field. His presence in the dressing room remains invaluable, especially during pressure situations.
How Did Dhoni Perform in IPL 2025?
The 2025 IPL season proved challenging for CSK. The team finished at the bottom of the points table, managing just four wins from 14 matches, and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Dhoni had to step back into the captaincy midway through the season after Gaikwad suffered an injury. With the bat, Dhoni had a quieter campaign, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17.
Despite that dip, his overall IPL record remains impressive.
When Will the IPL 2026 Schedule Be Announced?
The official IPL 2026 schedule will be announced only after polling dates for assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are finalised. Until then, Dhoni’s future remains open to interpretation.
Across 278 IPL matches, Dhoni has scored 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 half-centuries and a highest score of 84 not out. These numbers underline why even a short training clip is enough to spark speculation about his return.
Final Push or Just Staying Match-Ready?
Whether this Jharkhand training session signals a final push for a sixth IPL title or simply reflects Dhoni’s habit of staying match-ready remains unclear. But one thing is certain, as long as MS Dhoni steps into the nets wearing yellow, speculation about IPL 2026 will refuse to die.
