Watch: MS Dhoni visits Deori Maa Temple to kick off IPL 2026 preparation; A sixth title coming for CSK?
MS Dhoni, visited the Deori Maa Temple in Jharkhand to seek blessings. Dhoni's temple visits have historically preceded each of CSK's five IPL titles, in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Last Updated: 05.21 PM, Feb 27, 2026
With the IPL 2026 season opener just weeks away, the ritual that every Chennai Super Kings fan was waiting for has finally happened. MS Dhoni, who is confirmed to feature for the five-time champions once again at the age of 44, was spotted at the ancient Deori Maa Temple in Jharkhand to seek blessings ahead of the season opener on March 26.
A ritual that brought success for MS Dhoni
The visit to this ancient temple in Jharkhand has become a legendary precursor to MS Dhoni and CSK's success over the years. Historically, the former India captain has made this pilgrimage before every one of his five IPL-winning seasons.
In 2010 and 2011, he had visited the Deori Maa Temple before winning the title. The ritual followed in 2018 as well, which is regarded as the comeback season for MS Dhoni and CSK.
MS Dhoni's belief in visiting the Deori Maa Temple continued in 2021 and 2023 as well, when they won their fourth and fifth title.
As photos and videos of a long-haired, fit-looking Dhoni surfaced on social media this morning, fans immediately drew parallels to his previous championship-winning seasons. The "Deori Maa connection" is trending across platforms, with CSK fans convinced that a record-breaking sixth trophy is written in the stars after this visit.
Read also: T20 World Cup 2026: Does India need an anchor like Virat Kohli? Or do they need something else?
When will CSK's IPL 2026 camp start?
CSK’s pre-season camp for the IPL 2026 is scheduled to start this weekend at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, once the World Cup matches at the venue are over. Dhoni is expected to land in Chennai within the next 48 hours to join the squad.
How to watch the India vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2026 match?
In between this, along with MS Dhoni and all the fans' eyes will be on India's virtual quarter-final match against West Indies in Kolkata on 1st March. Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2026 match on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.