MS Dhoni Returns to Chepauk: Highlights from Day 1 of CSK’s IPL 2026 Camp
Preparations for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season officially commenced in Chennai on Sunday, as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) convened at the franchise’s High Performance Centre. Former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni joined current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to kickstart the training camp, marking the beginning of the five-time champions’ campaign.
The session featured a mix of senior Indian players and new domestic recruits, supervised by assistant coaches Sridharan Sriram and Rajiv Kumar, alongside strength and conditioning coach Greg King. While the rigorous drills signaled the start of serious preparation, the atmosphere remained spirited, driven largely by the 44-year-old Dhoni.
Viral Moment: Dhoni Turns Umpire in Nets
Despite the high-stakes nature of pre-season training, Dhoni ensured the mood remained light. During a net session against a left-arm spinner, the wicketkeeper-batter paused after a delivery drifted down the leg side. Instead of resetting his stance, Dhoni humorously mimicked an umpire, theatrically stretching his arms to signal a wide while performing a brief dance.
The impromptu gesture drew immediate laughter from teammates and support staff, reinforcing Dhoni’s role in maintaining squad morale. Visuals from the session also captured Dhoni and Gaikwad batting in adjacent nets, providing fans with a glimpse of the team’s leadership dynamic ahead of the season opener.
Training Camp Attendees and Key Observations
While overseas recruits and foreign coaching staff have yet to arrive, a significant contingent of Indian domestic talent reported for Day 1. Notable attendees included Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan, who was seen closely observing Dhoni’s technique, and Maharashtra opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, who displayed assured footwork during his stint.
Key Attendees at Day 1:
- Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Sarfaraz Khan, Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel
- Bowlers: Mukesh Choudhary, Rahul Chahar, Ramakrishna Ghosh
- New Signings: Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma
T20 World Cup Absentees
Several key players remain unavailable due to international commitments. Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube are currently competing in the ICC T20 World Cup, which concludes on March 7. They are expected to join the squad immediately following the tournament. Additionally, Shreyas Gopal will report at a later date following his participation in the Ranji Trophy final for Karnataka.
Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 Squad List
The franchise enters the 2026 season with a roster blending experienced internationals and promising domestic talent. Below is the complete squad list for the upcoming campaign.
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), MS Dhoni, Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Aman Khan, Kartik Sharma |
| Wicketkeepers | Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel |
| All-Rounders | Shivam Dube, Matt Short, Zak Foulkes, Jamie Overton, Prashant Veer, Anshul Kamboj |
| Spinners | Rahul Chahar, Noor Ahmad, Akeal Hosein, Shreyas Gopal |
| Pacers | Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Matt Henry, Gurjapneet Singh, Ramakrishna Ghosh |
For official schedule updates and ticketing information, visit the official IPL website or the Chennai Super Kings portal.