Known for using heavy bats to hit gigantic sixes, the legendary MS Dhoni is reportedly looking to employ lighter willows when he takes the field for Chennai Super Kings at the upcoming IPL 2025. As per a report, four bats cricket equipment companies from Meerut have been delivered to the legendary Indian cricketer whose bats could be 10-20 grams lighter this season.

“Each bat weighs around 1230 grams with the same shape as before," The New Indian Express quoted a source as saying.

As per the report, Dhoni, when at the peak of his career, used bats that weighed between 1250 and 1300 grams.

A former teammate of Dhoni says that the two-time World Cup-winning captain always played with heavier bats compared to others.

As per the daily, with the BCCI now allowing the usage of MA Chidambaram Stadium, the home venue of CSK, for training purposes till March 9, Dhoni’s training schedule for the IPL 2025 hasn’t been finalised.

However, the 43-year-old did train at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

“He (Dhoni) 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," the publication quoted a Jharkhand State Cricket Association official as saying.

Dhoni has retired from all forms of cricket except IPL.

Ahead of IPL 2024, he also stepped down as CSK captain with Rituraj Gaikwad succeeding him in the role. However, CSK didn’t qualify for the playoffs last year after finishing fifth on the points table.

Dhoni is one of the most successful captains in IPL history having won the title five times.

The IPL 2025 is scheduled to get underway from March 22 when defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders host Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens.

CSK will begin their campaign On March 23 in a mouthwatering clash with Mumbai Indians at home.