Punjab Newsline,Sports:
CSK Legend Back in Action as ‘Pride of JSCA’ Video Goes Viral Ahead of New Season
Former Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni has kick-started his preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, sparking excitement among cricket fans. The 44-year-old cricketing legend was recently spotted batting in the nets in Ranchi, his hometown, as visuals shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) quickly went viral on social media.
Sharing the video on Instagram, JSCA hailed Dhoni as their pride, captioning the post, “Look who is back. Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni.” In the clip, Dhoni can be seen fully padded up, practicing shots with intent, while also interacting with JSCA secretary and former India cricketer Saurabh Tiwary before heading into the nets.
Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, continues to remain a central figure in the IPL, representing Chennai Super Kings for the 17th time in the upcoming season. Despite stepping away from the international arena, his commitment and passion for the league remain undiminished.
A core member of CSK’s leadership group, Dhoni has played a pivotal role in shaping the franchise’s legacy. Under his captaincy, CSK lifted the IPL trophy five times, making the team one of the most successful in the tournament’s history. However, the previous season proved to be challenging for the Men in Yellow, as CSK finished at the bottom of the points table, managing only four wins from fourteen matches.
Individually too, Dhoni had a modest season. The veteran finisher scored 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, with a highest score of 30 not out. He also stepped in as captain during Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury absence, once again showcasing his leadership value to the team.
Despite recent struggles, Dhoni’s IPL legacy remains unmatched. He has amassed 5,439 runs in 278 matches at an impressive average of 38.80 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 half-centuries.
A modern-day legend, Dhoni led India to historic triumphs, including the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Honoured with the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Khel Ratna, Dhoni’s return to intense training has reignited hopes of a strong comeback season for CSK in IPL 2026.