Overview
- CSK began its pre-season camp on March 1 at the high-performance centre, with Dhoni taking part from day one after arriving on February 28.
- Team footage showed Dhoni batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and playfully signalling a wide, a clip that quickly went viral.
- Chennai unveiled its IPL 2026 jersey in a Dencoming video featuring Dhoni, Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan.
- Around 15 Indian players reported to the first phase, with internationals such as Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube expected after March 7, as assistants Sridharan Sriram and Rajeev Kumar run sessions with strength coach Greg King.
- Reports detail Dhoni’s adjusted preparation in Ranchi, including low-impact fitness work and a lighter 1.23 kg bat, as he returns on a ₹4 crore uncapped retention for 2026.