IPL 2026 Kickoff: MS Dhoni and CSK Players Start Training in Chennai
Synopsis
Excitement builds as MS Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings squad gear up for IPL 2026 with their first training session in Chennai. The team is preparing to reclaim their title with fresh talent and experienced leadership.
Key Takeaways
Training for IPL 2026 has officially begun for the Chennai Super Kings.
MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad lead the team's preparations.
New signings are actively participating in drills.
National players will join after the T20 World Cup.
Current training sessions are overseen by experienced coaching staff.
New Delhi, Mar 1 (NationPress) The legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former captain of India and Chennai Super Kings, kicked off preparations for IPL 2026 alongside current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and numerous teammates during their inaugural practice session in Chennai on Sunday.
The five-time champions initiated their training camp at the franchise’s high-performance facility, welcoming several Indian players to the fold. Notable attendees included Ayush Mhatre, Mukesh Choudhary, Rahul Chahar, Urvil Patel, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Sarfaraz Khan. The franchise shared highlights from the session, capturing Dhoni and Gaikwad batting side by side as the preparations intensified.
New additions Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma also joined the practice, participating actively in the drills. Training footage revealed Sarfaraz observing Dhoni’s net work closely, while Gaikwad exhibited seamless footwork and confidence.
This phase of the camp comprises domestic Indian players, with those representing the national team set to join later. India internationals Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, currently engaged in the T20 World Cup, are anticipated to reunite with the squad following the tournament's conclusion on March 7. Shreyas Gopal, who recently concluded his Ranji Trophy campaign with Karnataka, will also arrive at a later date.
Currently, the training sessions are under the guidance of assistant coaches Sridharan Sriram and Rajiv Kumar, alongside strength and conditioning coach Greg King. The arrival of overseas players and foreign coaching staff members is still pending.
Earlier on Sunday, the franchise unveiled their jersey for the upcoming lucrative event.
However, the timeline for the arrival of international players remains unclear due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As the situation continues to evolve, teams are awaiting clarity on travel schedules and the finalized fixture list for IPL 2026. Nevertheless, international players participating in the T20 World Cup will join the camp once their respective campaigns conclude.
Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Short, Sanju Samson, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Kartik, Shivam Dube, Zak Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Aman Khan, Veer, Noor Ahmad, Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Matt Henry, Gurjapneet Singh, Anshul Kamboj, and Mukesh Choudhary.
Point of View
The Chennai Super Kings, led by the iconic MS Dhoni, have commenced training. This early preparation showcases the team's commitment to excellence, blending experienced players with promising new talent. The unfolding situation regarding international player arrivals adds an element of unpredictability, but the team's spirit remains high.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Chennai Super Kings start training for IPL 2026?
The Chennai Super Kings began their training for IPL 2026 on March 1, 2026.
Who are some of the key players training with CSK?
Key players include MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube, among others.
When will international players join the CSK camp?
International players are expected to join after their participation in the T20 World Cup, which concludes on March 7.
What is the current status of the IPL 2026 schedule?
The final fixtures list for IPL 2026 is still pending due to uncertainties regarding international player travel amidst ongoing global events.
Who is supervising the current training sessions?
The training sessions are being supervised by assistant coaches Sridharan Sriram and Rajiv Kumar, along with strength coach Greg King.
