MS Dhoni Conducts Wicketkeeping Clinic for Young CSK Players Ahead of IPL 2026

MS Dhoni was recently seen conducting a wicketkeeping masterclass for young players at the Chepauk Stadium, as he gears up for IPL 2026. Despite retirement rumors, Dhoni is confirmed to play his 19th IPL season with CSK. The legendary cricketer continues to mentor the next generation, sharing invaluable tips on technique and skills. With a remarkable record in the IPL, Dhoni's future remains a topic of speculation as fans wonder about his fitness and potential retirement plans. Will he continue to lead CSK to victory? Read on to find out more.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 26, 2026, 13:23 IST

Dhoni's Masterclass at Chepauk Stadium

On March 25, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni was seen imparting his wicketkeeping expertise to young players during a practice session at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.

Despite speculation about his retirement following the last IPL season, Dhoni is confirmed to participate in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This will mark his 17th season with CSK and the 19th overall in his IPL career.

Although Dhoni stepped away from international cricket in August 2020, he continues to play a pivotal role in the IPL, mentoring younger players within the CSK squad. Even without the captaincy, his experience and cricketing acumen are invaluable to the team.

Wicketkeeping Tips from a Legend

As CSK gears up for their sixth IPL title, MS Dhoni was spotted providing expert wicketkeeping advice to young players during practice at Chepauk Stadium.

In a video shared on CSK's Instagram, Dhoni was seen guiding younger keepers, including Urvil Patel and Kartik Sharma, on techniques such as stance, footwork, and anticipation.

He also assisted them with catching drills, reflex exercises, and glove positioning, offering hands-on training to enhance their skills and prepare them for high-pressure match situations.

Dhoni's Record in IPL

MS Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batters in cricket history. In the IPL, he has achieved 201 dismissals, comprising 154 stumpings and 47 catches, the highest by any wicketkeeper in the league's history.

Remarkably, Dhoni is the only wicketkeeper-batter to surpass 5000 runs and achieve over 200 dismissals in the IPL, solidifying his legacy as a tactical genius behind the stumps.

Future of Dhoni in IPL

As he prepares for his 19th IPL season and 17th with CSK, there are ongoing discussions about Dhoni's potential retirement from the league. His leadership has been synonymous with CSK's success and popularity.

While there have been rumors about his retirement, Dhoni has not made any definitive statements. At a recent fan event, he humorously remarked, 'I’ll try,' regarding his future in the IPL.

Last season, Dhoni faced knee issues, which affected his performance. CSK's head coach confirmed that he played with a knee cap and batted lower in the order to focus on finishing roles.

Concerns about his knee have resurfaced, especially after a video surfaced showing him limping post-practice. Fans are anxious about whether he will play every match or be substituted with the 'Impact Player' option, particularly with Sanju Samson joining as a potential alternate keeper.

It remains uncertain how CSK will manage Dhoni's workload and whether he will participate in all games or be strategically rotated to maintain his fitness for critical matches.