MS Dhoni believes that Ruturaj Gaikwad’s return will be a significant boost for Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) batting strength in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Gaikwad’s participation in IPL 2025 was cut short due to an elbow injury that limited him to just five games.
“We are slightly worried about our batting order,” Dhoni said. “But I think our batting order is quite sorted out now. Rutu (Gaikwad) will be coming back. He got injured. But he will be coming back. So, we are quite sorted now.”
Despite Dhoni’s return as captain last season, CSK struggled, finishing at the bottom of the standings with only four wins from 14 matches.
Dhoni said the team didn’t slack off but had areas to improve. “A small auction is coming in December. Some loopholes are there, and we will try to plug those in.”
Dhoni emphasized the need to strengthen the team through the mini-auction. Gaikwad, who last played competitively on April 8 against Punjab Kings, withdrew from a county contract with Yorkshire. He is now scheduled to rejoin domestic cricket with the West Zone team in the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025–26.
“Yes, the last couple of years have not been good for us,” Dhoni acknowledged. “We have not been up to the mark. But what is important is for you to see the learnings. Yes, you had a bad season. But what went wrong? And that was the question for us last year also.
“We were like, ‘okay, there are some shortcomings’. But first we needed to exactly figure out what were the shortcomings and then look at solutions. I feel more often than not we have been able to figure out what exactly went wrong. In sports, you know you can have a very good time and at the same time there will be periods when you won’t be performing well. In CSK, more often than not, we are on the higher side.
“So, we do talk about the processes. But at the same time we do want the result to come to our side. Last year it wasn’t there. But looking ahead, we will try to sort out most of the things, and we will hopefully be at our best.”
Dhoni admitted CSK’s performances in recent seasons haven’t been up to par, stressing the importance of reflection and addressing key issues before the next season. He highlighted his long-standing relationship with the CSK franchise and how it has played a crucial role in his growth.