MS Dhoni turns 'umpire', dances after wide in CSK nets - WATCH
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKMarch 2, 2026
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MS Dhoni made an entertaining appearance during Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) first practice session for IPL 2026, showcasing his mischievous side as he playfully "called" a wide ball while batting in the nets. The five-time champions kicked off their pre-season preparations with a mix of laughter and camaraderie, as Dhoni's antics brought smiles to everyone on the ground. His playful dance-like gesture after a wide ball drew immense entertainment from teammates and staff, highlighting his enduring charm and influence within the team.
The session marked the beginning of CSK's IPL 2026 campaign, with Indian players reporting for duty ahead of overseas recruits. Assistant coaches Sridharan Sriram and Rajiv Kumar oversaw the nets alongside strength and conditioning coach Greg King. Dhoni, who now serves as a mentor to current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, was seen batting in adjacent nets, symbolizing a symbolic "passing-of-the-baton." Gaikwad appeared sharp and fluent during his batting, while Sarfaraz Khan observed Dhoni's techniques closely, possibly picking up tips from the legendary finisher.
The training also featured new signings Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, as well as other domestic players like Ayush Mhatre, Mukesh Choudhary, Rahul Chahar, Urvil Patel, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Sarfaraz Khan. International stars such as Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube are expected to join the squad later, following their commitments with India's T20
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Originally published on Times of India on 3/2/2026