Watch: MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad blast bowlers; video goes viral ahead of IPL 2026

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings have wasted no time in laying the groundwork for IPL 2026, opening an early-season training camp designed to restore the five-time champions to playoff contention after back-to-year disappointments. A 30-second clip released by the franchise on Tuesday evening has already fuelled expectations: MS Dhoni and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad batting side-by-side in the nets, dispatching deliveries with ominous ease. Within minutes the footage was trending across platforms, racking up hundreds of thousands of views and signalling that the veteran wicket-keeper-batsman and his youthful skipper are both timing the ball sweetly weeks before the tournament’s first ball.

The camp, under way well before most rivals have assembled, is intended to accelerate fitness routines and integrate new signings. Chief among the off-season acquisitions is India batter Sanju Samson, whose presence adds depth to a squad already blending experience with emerging talent. For a side that prides itself on peaking at the business end of the competition, the sight of Dhoni clearing the boundary and Gaikwad finding the gaps has reassured supporters that CSK’s trademark finishing instincts remain intact.

CSK’s quest for a record-extending sixth title begins on 30 March against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. The league’s opening phase, running 28 March-12 April, will feature 20 matches spread over 10 cities. Chennai will host two of the franchise’s early fixtures—against Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals—offering the yellow brigade an immediate opportunity to build momentum on familiar turf.

With training intensity already cranked up and social media abuzz, the Super Kings have served notice that they intend to break their playoff drought in emphatic fashion.