CSK Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad on MS Dhoni's IPL Future and Team Rebuild

"You will get to know it next year itself": CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad on MS Dhoni playing next year's IPL

Ahmedabad, May 22

The Chennai Super Kings skipper admitted that Dhoni's absence has been a major setback for the team, especially in pressure situations during the death overs, where he can shift momentum and instil fear in the opposition. Gaikwad said CSK missed his presence significantly this season due to his game-changing ability.

However, he added that while the team remains uncertain about next season, he is pleased with the squad's effort and the experience gained by younger players throughout the campaign.

Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to a calf injury. Since winning the title in 2023, the Chennai Super Kings have now failed to qualify for the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, having been eliminated in the group stage each time.

CSK concluded their IPL 2026 season after being crushed by GT in Ahmedabad on Thursday night. The home side defeated the five-time champions by 89 runs.

"(will we see MS Dhoni next season?) Obviously, you will get to know it next year itself. Even I'll get to know it next year itself. Obviously, it's a hard, hard miss for us, definitely. He's someone who can have a fear of the opposition, especially coming in those late overs. Can really change the game, can really change the momentum just by staying at the crease. So, he's someone; definitely, we missed a lot this season. But, I mean, we never know about next season, but obviously, really happy with the guys we had and, really happy with the experience they got this year," Gaikwad said after the match. Gaikwad highlighted the emergence of young talent within the Chennai Super Kings as the team looks to rebuild for the future. He said the transition away from experienced players like Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu has opened opportunities for youngsters such as Kartik Sharma, Urvil Patel, and Dewald Brevis.

Gaikwad praised Kartik Sharma for his promising performances, noting his potential while also acknowledging areas for improvement. He added that Urvil Patel, playing a full season for the first time, may have felt added pressure from expectations, but will benefit from the experience gained.

Gaikwad also expressed confidence that these young players will grow stronger with more exposure and help CSK return stronger next season.

"(on the youngsters who can take this team forward) Yes, I mean, moving on from the likes of Ajinkya Rahane or, you know, Ambati Rayudu, is someone who, we had experience throughout the years, obviously, Kartik Sharma, Urvil, even Brev obviously missed out on playing initially in the season as well. Kartik obviously impressed a lot. He has a lot of potential going ahead, obviously, a lot of areas to improve. Urvil again is someone playing a full season for the first time. So, you have a lot of expectations when you are playing a full season. So, definitely, that could have played in his mind. But obviously good to have those games in the bag for everyone and, definitely, we'll come back stronger next year," he concluded.

— ANI