As the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepare for their high-octane clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, a familiar and heartening sight captured the attention of fans and cameras during yesterday’s practice session.
MS Dhoni, the legendary former captain, was seen spending considerable time mentoring the explosive all-rounder Shivam Dube, providing hands-on technical guidance to sharpen his batting skills before the Match 44 encounter.
Under Chennai’s humid conditions, Dhoni broke routine for an extended tactical chat with Dube, focusing on improving his footwork and handling of short-pitched deliveries, an area opponents often target.
Dhoni was seen mimicking bat angles and body positioning, emphasizing the importance of staying still at the crease to maximize his naturally high back-lift and power. Watch the video here:
MS Dhoni was seen helping Shivam Dube with his batting during the practice session yesterday 😌💛 pic.twitter.com/GmOl14qwA0
— DB (@Im_Kushall) May 2, 2026
Dhoni’s Guidance Helps Dube Improve at CSK
This mentorship is not a new phenomenon within the CSK camp. Since Dube joined the franchise, his career has seen a remarkable resurgence, largely credited to the clarity of role provided by the team management and the specific inputs from MS Dhoni.
By simplifying Dube’s approach and encouraging him to target the spin-heavy middle overs, CSK has transformed him into one of the most feared finishers in IPL 2026. The timing of this masterclass is particularly significant.
With the tournament entering its business end, CSK is focused on securing a definitive playoff spot. Dube’s ability to clear the large boundaries at Chepauk will be vital, especially against a Mumbai Indians bowling attack led by the clinical Jasprit Bumrah.
For the fans, the sight of “Thala” guiding a younger teammate reinforces the unique culture of the Super Kings. It highlights why the franchise remains successful, a blend of elite performance and an environment where veterans actively invest in the growth of the next generation.
As Dube looks to replicate his match-winning form tonight, the technical tweaks shared by Dhoni yesterday could very well be the difference in a high-pressure chase.
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