New Delhi, March 28. The upcoming season of the Indian Premier League is set to begin this Saturday, but Chennai Super Kings fans have received disappointing news regarding their veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The legendary cricketer is expected to miss the first two weeks of the tournament due to a calf muscle strain.

The franchise shared this update, noting that the player is currently undergoing rehabilitation for the injury. As per agency report, the team management acknowledged that his absence during the opening fortnight of the 2026 season is highly probable and expressed their wishes for his speedy recovery. This development is seen as a significant setback for the team, which has secured all five of its league titles under his leadership.

In the absence of the experienced player during the early matches, the responsibility of wicketkeeping is expected to be handled primarily by Sanju Samson. Samson, who previously served as the captain of Rajasthan Royals, was included in the Chennai squad after the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team traded all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran with other franchises.

Since retiring from international cricket, the former captain has limited his professional appearances to the Indian Premier League. Throughout his career in the league, he has played a total of 278 matches, scoring 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30, which includes 24 half-centuries. Specifically for Chennai Super Kings, he has featured in 248 matches and accumulated 4,865 runs.

The 2026 season will commence with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chennai Super Kings will start their journey against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Following the opener, the team is scheduled to face Punjab Kings on April 3 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5. Their later fixtures include a match against Delhi Capitals on April 11 and a clash with Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14.

Chennai, August 8 – Indian cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni has launched a new sports venture in Chennai called ‘7Padel’, aimed at promoting emerging sports such as padel tennis and pickleball. The facility was inaugurated with Chennai Super Kings player Ruturaj Gaikwad and renowned music composer Anirudh Ravichander joining Dhoni for the launch event.

Spread over an area of 20,000 square feet, ‘7Padel’ houses three padel tennis courts and one pickleball court, along with modern amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, recovery room, and café. The venue is open not only to professional athletes but also to the general public and sports enthusiasts.

Dhoni’s bond with Chennai is well known, strengthened by his long association with the Chennai Super Kings and the unwavering support of the city’s fans. While launching the venture, Dhoni described ‘7Padel’ as his symbol of gratitude to the city, noting that Chennai has given him much both on and off the field, making it the perfect place to open his first padel centre. He highlighted the excitement of padel and its accessibility, expressing his vision for the venue to become a space where athletes, families, and fitness lovers can find their place.

As per agency report, Dhoni has been spotted playing pickleball on several occasions, including a widely circulated video of him enjoying the sport with Rishabh Pant on a floating court in Dubai. Pickleball has been gaining rapid popularity in the sports world, attracting both professional and recreational players alike.

Kolkata, May 8 – Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has acknowledged that he is in the final stages of his cricketing career but made it clear that he has no immediate plans to retire. Following his team's two-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday, Dhoni stated that he would take a decision on retirement in due course, depending on how his body responds after the season.

As per agency report, the match saw Kolkata Knight Riders post a competitive total of 179 for six, thanks to key contributions from captain Ajinkya Rahane (48), Andre Russell (38), and an unbeaten 36 by Manish Pandey. In reply, Chennai Super Kings found themselves struggling at 60 for five, but a blistering 52 from Dewald Brevis off just 25 balls, supported by Shivam Dube’s steady 45, helped steer the team to 183 for eight in 19.4 overs, breaking their streak of four consecutive losses.

Speaking after the match, Dhoni praised the fans for their continued support and hinted that he is not yet ready to hang up his boots. Reflecting on the overwhelming affection from the crowd, he said many spectators come to watch him play because they are unsure when his final match will be. The 42-year-old cricketing icon acknowledged that he has played for a long time and is aware of his career nearing its end but emphasized that nothing has been decided yet.

He mentioned that once the current IPL season concludes, he would need to work hard over the next six to eight months and assess whether his body can endure the physical demands of professional cricket. While Dhoni did not rule out retirement in the near future, he reiterated that the decision would come at the right time and not be rushed.

The match not only brought relief to Chennai Super Kings fans with a much-needed win but also added to the speculation around Dhoni's potential farewell season. However, for now, the former Indian captain appears focused on the present and is enjoying every moment of the game.

Chennai, April 26 – Expressing frustration over Chennai Super Kings' continuous poor performance in the ongoing IPL season, Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted that when four to five players lose form simultaneously, it becomes extremely difficult for a team to achieve the desired results. Following CSK’s five-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhoni shared his thoughts on the challenges his team is facing.

Speaking after the match, Dhoni said that it is manageable to address one or two areas of weakness in a tournament like the IPL, but when most players are underperforming, the situation becomes complicated and demands changes. As per agency report, he added that the team is not able to put enough runs on the board, which has become a recurring issue.

Chasing a target of 155 runs, Sunrisers Hyderabad secured victory by scoring 155 for five in 18.4 overs, thanks to key contributions from Ishan Kishan (44), Kamindu Mendis (unbeaten 32), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (unbeaten 19).

Dhoni acknowledged that his team failed to capitalize on favorable batting conditions. He explained that they kept losing wickets at regular intervals, and that the pitch during the first innings was relatively good for batting, with 154-157 not being an adequate score under the circumstances. He noted that the ball was not turning much, and nothing abnormal was happening in the conditions.

He further pointed out that while the pitch offered some assistance during the second innings, CSK’s spinners bowled in the right areas but the team still fell 15–20 runs short of what was needed.

Dhoni praised South African youngster Dewald Brevis, who played a fine innings of 42 runs, and emphasized that such contributions were vital for the team's middle order. He concluded by saying that improving their performance during the middle overs, particularly against spinners, is an area where CSK must focus, as it is critical for building a competitive total.

Mumbai, April 21 – Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stated that even if his team does not qualify for the playoffs in the ongoing Indian Premier League season, the focus will shift towards identifying and preparing a strong core group of 11 players for the next year. As per agency report, Dhoni emphasized the importance of introspection within the squad following their nine-wicket defeat against Mumbai Indians on Sunday evening.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Dhoni acknowledged the need to evaluate whether the squad is playing the right brand of cricket. He hinted that players may not be executing strategies effectively, yet expressed confidence in nearing the identification of a stable core group for future campaigns.

The veteran captain added that the team continues to take one match at a time and will strive to win each of the remaining fixtures. However, he noted that if the side loses further matches and playoff qualification becomes unlikely, it will become essential to prioritize assembling the right combination of players for next season.

Dhoni reiterated that he is not in favor of making too many changes to the playing group but remains committed to ensuring a strong comeback next year, with a carefully selected core of players ready to take on the challenges of the 2026 IPL season.

Mumbai, April 17 : Former Indian cricket captain and current Chennai Super Kings leader MS Dhoni, already active in South Indian cinema through his production house, is now creating a stir with a new and unexpected screen persona—this time as a romantic lead.

As per agency report, in a recently released promotional video shared by filmmaker Karan Johar, Dhoni is seen in a suave, poetic avatar, marking his debut as a "lover boy" on screen. The clip opens with the text announcing, “For the first time, MS Dhoni in a romantic role,” followed by a shot of Dhoni delivering the line, “Tum jo saath chalti ho, har safar khoobsurat ban’ti ho,” while looking directly into the camera. The video ends abruptly, leaving fans intrigued and surprised by this cinematic twist.

Karan Johar posted the video with a playful caption, “Theatrical drums, please! Presenting MS Dhoni… our new lover boy! Pure cinematic magic!” He also credited director Punit Malhotra for the ad’s direction. While many fans celebrated this fresh take on Dhoni’s public persona, reactions across social media have been mixed.

Some netizens praised Dhoni’s on-screen charm and versatility, while others criticized the campaign, arguing that established personalities like Dhoni venturing into such domains overshadow struggling actors. A few even jokingly labeled him as "Dharma's new nepotism baby."

The video, however, is part of a campaign for a motorcycle brand, not a feature film, as some fans initially speculated. Dhoni and Karan Johar have collaborated for this high-concept ad shoot, blending cinematic flair with brand promotion.

Earlier, Dhoni also appeared in a commercial for EMotorad’s electric cycle, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, where he sported long hair and delivered intense dialogues in a brooding style—further enhancing his screen appeal.

On the cricket front, Dhoni recently made history by completing 200 dismissals as a wicketkeeper in the Indian Premier League. He reached this milestone during a match against the Lucknow Super Giants, where he stumped Ayush Badoni.

This latest foray into screen acting might not mark a full-fledged Bollywood debut, but it certainly reaffirms Dhoni’s multifaceted personality, both on and off the field.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has expressed surprise over Chennai Super Kings’ batting strategy in their recent Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, questioning why Mahendra Singh Dhoni continues to bat so low in the order. As per agency report, Chennai suffered a 50-run defeat at the hands of RCB, marking the latter’s first victory at the Chepauk Stadium in 17 years.

In the match, Dhoni came in to bat at number nine and remained unbeaten with a quick 30 off 16 balls. However, by the time he arrived at the crease, the outcome was already slipping away from CSK’s grasp.

Speaking on a broadcast, Watson said it was puzzling to see a player of Dhoni’s calibre batting so late, especially when the team needed his experience and composure at the crease. He suggested that Dhoni should have batted ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin and been given more deliveries to make an impact, pointing out that CSK fans come to see Dhoni in action and he still has the ability to perform well, as evidenced in previous seasons.

Watson also questioned other tactical decisions made by CSK, such as sending Rahul Tripathi to open the innings while regular opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was pushed down the order. He noted that Gaikwad’s dismissal, playing an uncharacteristic shot against Josh Hazlewood, reflected the impact of the altered batting order.

In addition, Watson criticised the decision to promote Sam Curran to number five, stating that he had mostly seen Curran bat at number seven and that the current team composition appeared unsettled.

He concluded that CSK would need to reassess their approach and bring better balance to their playing XI if they want to regain their winning momentum in the tournament.

Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has shared his perspective on the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), acknowledging that while he was initially unsure of its necessity, he now sees it as part of T20 cricket’s ongoing evolution. The 43-year-old Chennai Super Kings icon, however, does not consider himself an Impact Player, as he continues to serve as the team's first-choice wicketkeeper.

Speaking to Jio Star, Dhoni admitted that when the rule was first introduced, he questioned its need. Over time, though, he has come to understand its strategic value, particularly in high-pressure situations. As per agency report, he noted that the rule offers teams the flexibility to field an extra batsman if required, helping them approach the game with greater confidence and freedom.

Dhoni observed that while some believe the rule is contributing to higher scores, he attributes this trend more to the players' growing comfort and fearless approach at the crease. The extra batting option, in his view, simply allows teams to play with a more aggressive mindset.

The Impact Player rule has faced criticism from other senior players like Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who argue that it undermines the role of genuine all-rounders. They believe the rule encourages teams to opt for pure power-hitters instead of players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.

Responding to such concerns, Dhoni remarked that it is not just about including more batters, but rather about the psychological advantage of having an additional option available. He emphasized that teams are not necessarily using four or five extra batters, but the mere presence of one provides the belief and momentum needed to take more risks.

Concluding his thoughts, Dhoni described the rule as a reflection of how T20 cricket continues to grow and adapt, adding that the format’s evolution has always been driven by innovation and the pursuit of new strategies.

Chennai, March 24 – Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, stunned cricket fans and experts alike with a lightning-fast stumping that once again highlighted his brilliance behind the stumps. Despite being 43 years old, Dhoni's reflexes and precision remain unmatched.

The incident occurred during CSK's match against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, when spinner Noor Ahmad bowled a googly that beat the outside edge of batter Suryakumar Yadav. Dhoni, stationed behind the stumps, removed the bails in a mere 0.12 seconds – faster than the blink of an eye. Suryakumar, who was batting on 29, was dismissed just as a 51-run partnership was taking shape, allowing CSK to claw their way back into the game.

https://twitter.com/RahulGu04197245/status/1903846952284152021

As per agency report, Dhoni’s former teammate and cricket commentator Matthew Hayden lauded the legendary wicketkeeper on a T20 Timeout show, calling the stumping an example of Dhoni’s unmatched agility and game awareness. Hayden emphasized that such deliveries are difficult to collect because the batter often obstructs the keeper’s angle, yet Dhoni executed the stumping flawlessly.

Current CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad added that Dhoni practices challenging wicketkeeping drills, which helps him remain sharp for such crucial moments. Former CSK player Piyush Chawla echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Dhoni likely trained specifically to keep against Noor Ahmad before the season began. He explained that Dhoni often practices for 10-12 deliveries with new bowlers to understand their wrist positions and spin variations, especially when dealing with wrist spinners.

The exceptional display behind the stumps has reaffirmed Dhoni’s stature as one of the finest wicketkeepers the game has ever seen, with many hailing his continued dedication and instinctive brilliance even as he enters the twilight of his career.

The cricketing world witnessed a surprise development on the eve of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. MS Dhoni, the iconic captain who led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five IPL titles, has stepped down from his leadership role.

In a statement released on Thursday, CSK announced that Ruturaj Gaikwad, the young batting sensation, will be taking over the captaincy for the upcoming season. Gaikwad, a key player for CSK since 2019, has amassed experience in 52 IPL matches.

This isn't Dhoni's first time relinquishing the CSK captaincy. In IPL 2022, the management opted for star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to lead the team. However, Jadeja's stint at the helm proved unsuccessful, leading to a mid-season return of Dhoni as captain. Under Dhoni's renewed leadership, CSK went on to secure their fifth IPL championship title in 2023.

Dhoni's decision to step down paves the way for a new chapter in CSK's history. The cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits to see how Gaikwad navigates the team under his captaincy, as CSK opens their IPL 2024 campaign against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) India star wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant has revealed about his deep connection with former captain M S Dhoni, emphasizing the open communication and the valuable learning experiences he has had with him.

Amidst the storm of comparisons, a silver lining emerged in the form of an unshakeable bond between Pant and Dhoni. Despite the external pressures, the two kept their camaraderie intact. Pant spoke fondly of his relationship with the former captain, emphasizing the depth of their connection.

"I always find it difficult to explain my relationship with MS. Dhoni. There are some with whom you can talk freely. I discuss everything with MSD. I have learned so much from him. I discuss things with him that I wouldn't discuss with anybody else. That's the kind of relationship with him,” said Pant in an interview with Star Sports 'Believe' series.

Struggling with the weight of expectations and constant scrutiny, Pant spoke about the criticisms he has faced in the early days of his career, replacing the great MS Dhoni as a wicketkeeper

“First of all, I didn't understand why questions were raised. I had just made it to the team, and people were talking about being a replacement. Why were people raising such questions at a youngster? Why are you comparing? There shouldn't be any comparison at all.

"Some have played five matches and the others have played 500. It's been such a long journey, so many ups and downs, so the comparison is not fair. I used to really feel very bad. I used to go back to my room and cry at 20-21 years of age. Under stress, I couldn't breathe. So much pressure, and I didn't know what to do. I missed a stumping in Mohali, and the crowd started to chant ‘DhoniDhoni’," he said.

The 26-ywar-old also reflected on his early days in the Indian cricket team, highlighting the supportive and welcoming nature of senior players like Yuvraj Singh and Dhoni. "In the start, I was very young, and there were a lot of senior players, a lot of them actually. Yuvraj Singh, MS. Dhoni were there, all seniors. It does take some time, but I didn't get the feeling of them being super seniors.

"They were very welcoming and made me very comfortable. They make every new player very comfortable. This is the culture of the Indian team," he concluded.