As the curtains fell on Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) turbulent IPL 2025 campaign, all eyes turned to MS Dhoni for answers about his future and the team’s leadership. The CSK icon, who once again took up the captaincy mid-season following injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad, addressed both topics after CSK’s emphatic 83-run win over Gujarat Titans in their final league match.
MS Dhoni keeps IPL 2026 plans open
Dhoni, 43, remained characteristically enigmatic about his own playing future. Asked directly whether he would return for IPL 2026, Dhoni said he would take time to reflect before making a decision. “It depends. I have 4-5 months to decide. There is no hurry to decide what needs to be done. Every year it’s 50% more effort to keep the body fit. It is the top level of cricket. If cricketers start retiring because of performances, few of them will retire at 22. What is important to see is how much hunger and fitness you have and how much can you contribute to the team, whether the team needs you. I have enough time. I’ll go back to Ranchi, haven’t been home for a long time. Enjoy a few bike rides. Couple of months then I will decide,” Dhoni told Harsha Bhogle at the post-match presentation.
He emphasized that he is not rushing into retirement or a comeback, saying, “I am not saying I am done and I am not saying I am coming back at the same time. I have the luxury of timing.” Dhoni’s remarks have left fans hopeful but uncertain, as the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman weighs his physical condition, motivation and the needs of the team.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead CSK in IPL 2026
While Dhoni’s own future remains undecided, he ended speculation about CSK’s captaincy for the 2026 season. The former India skipper confirmed that Ruturaj Gaikwad, who began IPL 2025 as captain before an elbow injury sidelined him, will resume leadership duties next year.
“Ruturaj will be back as captain next season. Yes, there are a few holes that we’d like to fill but one of the most important things was when Rutu comes back next season at least we are able to give him a team where he just needs to fit in 1 in the playing XI. He doesn’t have to worry about too many things,” Dhoni stated.
Gaikwad’s absence in the latter half of the season was keenly felt as CSK struggled, ultimately finishing at the bottom of the table for the first time in their history. However, the team’s dominant performance in their final match, powered by young talents like Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, offered a glimpse of a promising future under Gaikwad’s leadership.
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