After an underwhelming performance in the previous Indian Premier League (IPL) season, MS Dhoni has overhauled his training methods. The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain has been training since September 2025 but has gone full throttle with two months left for the IPL 2026 season.
A couple of days ago, the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) shared a glimpse of Dhoni’s training session. The wicketkeeper batter was getting ready for a batting session with former Indian cricketer and JSCA secretary Saurabh Tiwary helping him.
First spinners, then pacers
Former Indian spinner and JSCA joint-secretary Shahbaz Nadeem has revealed that Dhoni commenced his training against spinners and has gradually moved on to facing fast bowlers. The wicketkeeper usually trains in the afternoon, between 12 and 3, to perhaps tackle the heat and humidity at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where he’s expected to play 7 matches for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
“Dhoni does gym at the JSCA whenever he is in Ranchi. Now, he has started batting in the nets since last week. We have constructed a transparent indoor net facility adjacent to Oval B Ground at the complex. It has three turf wickets — one made of black soil, while the remaining two are made of mixed soils. Dhoni trains there between 12-12:30 PM and 2-2:30 PM,” Shahbaz told the New Indian Express.
Lighter bat for IPL 2026
Last season, Dhoni had moved to a lighter bat, from 1250-1300 grams to 1230. The move didn’t work, at least by results. He struck at just 135.17, the lowest strike rate for him since IPL 2022. But Dhoni has decided to persist with the same weight. Sareen Sports Industries (SS), his bat sponsor, has sent customised bats to Ranchi, and he’ll continue using the lighter bats for IPL 2026.
“Yes, a few bats, as per his specifications, have been sent to Dhoni. “The same bats (weighing 1230 grams) have been ordered,” Jatin Sareen, chief executive officer, said.
