MS Dhoni was greeted with an enthusiastic reception by fans on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Roar event held at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Sunday, March 22. The event began with a rehearsal, and a number of other former CSK stars are also set to make special appearances.
Fans went wild as Dhoni stepped onto the sphere for practice, showering the five-time IPL-winning captain with loud cheers and chants.
That entry and that pose with all of the trophies 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Hm9kJOcCGV
— Middle Stump Cricket (@MiddleCricket) March 22, 2026
MS Dhoni is ready to play his seventeenth season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Under the brand new IPL retention rules, the five-time champions retained the veteran wicketkeeper-batter as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction. Dhoni had returned to captain the team in IPL 2025 after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with an elbow injury following five matches.
Despite his leadership, CSK struggled throughout the season, ending last with just 4 wins from 14 games. Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 135.17.
“I See Him at No. 8”– Former CSK Star on MS Dhoni’s Batting Spot in IPL 2026
Former India and CSK batter Robin Uthappa believes that IPL 2026 might be MS Dhoni’s final season within the league. He indicated that the veteran is prone to bat at No. 8 in his farewell yr. Highlighting Dhoni’s dual role as mentor and player for CSK, Uthappa said on JioHotstar (via India Today):
“I feel you may see MS Dhoni being a little bit more hands-off. IPL 2026 is prone to be his last yr within the yellow jersey. I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role this yr. I don’t see him batting at number seven. I see him batting at number eight. Knowing that he’s on his way out, he desires to wean himself out. I feel he’ll do this. Only then will we see the true potential of Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain.”
Get the most recent cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.