MS Dhoni, the iconic captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has made his much-anticipated return to training, leading the charge during the first session of the team's 10-day pre-season camp at the High-Performance Centre in Chennai. Having taken almost a year off, Dhoni was spotted on February 28, 2025, engaging with his teammates and showing off his skills on the pitch.
During the evening training session, Dhoni was visibly enjoying his time as he hit several huge sixes, captivating spectators and teammates alike. Videos shared by CSK showcased him tightening his defensive play with blocks before unleashing his signature shots, sending the ball soaring over the boundary.
After nearly 12 months away from high-intensity training, Dhoni also experienced some moments of struggle with balance when attempting to hit sixes off good-length deliveries, yet his overall performance illustrated his dedication and readiness for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Notably, many other Indian players, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, participated actively in the camp, reflecting the team’s strong spirit as they prepare for IPL 2025. The training was overseen by newly appointed assistant bowling coach Sridharan Sriram, filling the void left by head coach Stephen Fleming, who was absent.
A touching moment during the training was Dhoni's reunion with R Ashwin, who returned to CSK after his previous stint ended in 2015. Purchased for ₹9.75 crore during the mega auction, Ashwin showcased his skills and was seen bowling precise off-spinners. The two players, showcasing their camaraderie, were also engaged in light-hearted activities involving football, reinforcing their bond under the Chennai evening sky.
Dhoni, who is now 43, shared insights on the process of getting ready for the IPL, emphasizing the hard work it requires. “I only play a couple of months in a year, but I want to enjoy it the way I started playing; that's something I keep going,” he explained during a promotional event earlier this month. “But, of course, for this, I need to put in hard work for six to eight months because IPL is one of the toughest tournaments. Nobody really cares about how old you are. If you're playing at this level, the level needs to be the same.”
The speculation surrounding Dhoni's potential retirement has only intensified following his arrival at the training camp donning a T-shirt emblazoned with the message “One Last Time” printed in Morse code. This has led fans and analysts alike to wonder whether the 2025 IPL season could mark his final chapter as a player.
CSK is set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign on March 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, just one day after the season opener featuring the Kolkata Knight Riders against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With Dhoni at the helm, the team's pre-season camp serves as both preparation and opportunity for the players to gather momentum leading up to the much-anticipated return of the iconic T20 tournament.
With emotions running high and excitement building not only for fans but also for the players, this season is poised to be one for the history books. Will 2025 be the year we bid farewell to one of cricket's greatest legends? Only time will tell, but for now, the focus is on training, teamwork, and the upcoming challenges as CSK gears up for another thrilling IPL season.