MS Dhoni, ex-captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), will reportedly use new type of bat in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. The IPL 2025 will get underway on March 22, with CSK opening their tournament in a blockbuster tie against Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 23.

Dhoni, who has been retained by CSK as an uncapped player this season, has been practicing in Ranchi to improve his match fitness. The great wicketkeeper-batsman will likely attend CSK's pre-IPL camp this year, as is customary.

According to a New Indian Express article citing sources, Dhoni is anticipated to cut the weight of his bat by at least 10-20 grams. During his prime, Dhoni utilized one of the heaviest bats on the cricket tour.

"Four bats have been delivered to Dhoni recently by Sanspareils Greenlands Pvt. Ltd., the cricket equipment company from Meerut. Each bat weighs around 1230 grams with the same shape as before,” the source told New Indian Express.

The Chennai Super Kings' training at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is not anticipated to begin until March 10. According to a source in the CSK management, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has made it clear that the Chennai stadium cannot be used until March 9.

"The schedule of training has not been finalized yet. Anyway, the MA Chidambaram Stadium cannot be used for training purposes till March 9 as the BCCI has given strict instructions to maintain the venue in optimal conditions," a source from CSK management said.

Currently, MS Dhoni is training in Ranchi and using bowling machines to get into batting shape and sharpening his willow skills

The wicketkeeper-batsman played the entire 2024 season, although was usually utilized at No.8. Dhoni had several big innings, including a torrent of sixes in the last two overs of the game.

"He used to train at the indoor facility. As there was no team camping here at the venue at that time, he was training with the bowling machine. He also played a friendly tennis match on the opening day of a tournament played here," a Jharkhand State Cricket Association official said.

The IPL 2025 begins on March 22.