MS Dhoni is preparing for his 18th season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the 2025 edition approaches. Playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni is making a notable adjustment by opting for slightly lighter bats, weighing 1230 grams, compared to his usual 1250-1300 grams. This change, confirmed by former teammate Suresh Raina, may be a natural adaptation to aging, as Dhoni is now 43. He has been practicing in Jharkhand using a bowling machine to get ready for the season, where CSK will face Mumbai Indians on March 23. Despite injury concerns, Dhoni had a solid IPL 2024.
MS Dhoni is preparing for his 18th season in the Indian Premier League, with IPL 2025 just a few weeks away. As the only cricket Dhoni participates in throughout the year, the iconic Indian captain is reportedly making a modest adjustment to his batting approach. Playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni is set to utilize slightly lighter bats for IPL 2025. Having traditionally favored heavier bats compared to his peers, this modification could play a crucial role in his performance in the upcoming season.
According to a report from The New Indian Express, Dhoni usually opted for bats weighing around 1250 to 1300 grams during his peak, which is heavier than those used by his teammates. However, he has recently been experimenting with bats that are 10 to 20 grams lighter.
“Recently, Sanspareils Greenlands Pvt. Ltd, a cricket equipment company based in Meerut, delivered four bats to Dhoni. Each bat is around 1230 grams yet retains the same shape as before,” a source mentioned in the report.
The report indicates that Dhoni’s former India and CSK teammate, Suresh Raina, has also confirmed this adjustment. A decrease in bat weight is expected as a natural progression with age, and Dhoni is currently 43 years old.
Additionally, Dhoni has reportedly been practicing in his home state of Jharkhand to prepare for IPL 2025.
With CSK’s training schedule yet to be finalized, Dhoni utilized a bowling machine at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi for practice, as per the report.
“He (Dhoni) used to train at the indoor facility. Since there was no team camp at the venue during that time, he trained with the bowling machine. He also engaged in a friendly tennis match on the opening day of a tournament held here,” stated an official from the Jharkhand State Cricket Association, according to the report.
Despite injury concerns that have slightly affected Dhoni’s batting impact, he had a commendable IPL 2024 season, scoring 161 runs at an average of 53.67 and a strike rate exceeding 220, primarily batting at No. 7 or 8.
After narrowly missing the playoffs in IPL 2024, CSK will once again be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad as they kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against the Mumbai Indians on March 23.
As one of the most beloved cricketers in India, fans of Dhoni and CSK are hopeful that this adjustment in bat weight will enable him to bat higher in the order.
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