MS Dhoni has addressed Chennai Super Kings’ poor IPL 2025 campaign and confirmed Ruturaj Gaikwad’s much-awaited return. CSK, the five-time IPL champions, endured a disappointing season, finishing last on the points table with just four wins from 14 matches.
Dhoni stepped in as captain after Gaikwad sustained an injury mid-season. At a private event, the CSK icon shared a candid review of the team’s issues and spoke of the road to redemption.
Dhoni pointed out CSK’s vulnerable batting as one of the key reasons for their decline. However, he expressed confidence that Gaikwad’s return would solve many of their top-order concerns.
“We are slightly worried about our batting order. 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,” said Dhoni.
CSK Eyeing IPL 2026 Rebuild Through Mini-Auction
Gaikwad last played for CSK on April 8 against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. Though he had agreed to play county cricket for Yorkshire, he later withdrew due to personal reasons. His inclusion in the West Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy confirms his return to competitive cricket.
Looking forward, Dhoni acknowledged that CSK needs to address key gaps in the squad ahead of IPL 2026.
“I won’t say we (CSK) slacked off (in IPL 2025). But there were certain holes that we needed to plug in. A small auction is coming in December. Some loopholes are there, and we will try to plug those in,” he said.
Dhoni also noted that CSK needs to reflect deeply on the last two seasons and make strategic corrections.
“Yes, the last couple of years have not been good for us. 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,” he said.
Dhoni stayed silent on his IPL 2026 playing future, choosing to evaluate his fitness before making a decision. For now, CSK fans can look forward to Gaikwad’s return and key changes in the next auction.
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