Overview
- JSCA released a verified video on January 24 showing the 44-year-old fully padded up and batting in Ranchi, calling him the 'Pride of JSCA.'
- Chennai Super Kings amplified the update on January 26 by sharing Dhoni’s practice footage from the JSCA facility with a celebratory caption.
- Multiple outlets report Dhoni is expected to feature in IPL 2026, while former teammate R. Ashwin publicly suggested he could bat at No. 3, which remains opinion rather than team confirmation.
- CSK’s retooled roster includes a trade for Sanju Samson and record outlays on uncapped players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma at ₹14.20 crore each.
- Reports indicate the IPL 2026 schedule will be finalised after state election polling dates are confirmed, with the working window reported as March 26 to May 31.