MS Dhoni Trains with Rishabh Pant Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series

Rishabh Pant has begun training for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, with a session alongside MS Dhoni in Ranchi. A photo from Shahbaz Nadeem shows both in a gym. Pant, out of India's white-ball setup, is key to the Test squad. He had a disappointing IPL with LSG, scoring 312 runs at 28.36. India needs to win 7 of 9 remaining Tests in the WTC cycle, making the Sri Lanka series crucial. Dhoni, injured and out of IPL 2026, may take a CSK mentorship role amid restructuring after Fleming's exit. CSK hasn’t reached playoffs since 2023. Dhoni is expected to control cricket operations.

Pant last played in India's one-off Test vs Afghanistan in June. The Sri Lanka series is critical before a tougher New Zealand assignment.

Dhoni’s future in competitive cricket is uncertain. Reports suggest he’s considered for a CSK mentor role after Fleming left. CSK is restructuring after failing to qualify for playoffs in three seasons since their 2023 title win.