Dhoni Confirms Ruturaj Gaikwad to Return as CSK Captain for IPL 2026; Batting Order Woes ‘Sorted’
Chennai Super Kings icon MS Dhoni has confirmed that Ruturaj Gaikwad will resume captaincy duties for the IPL 2026 season. Speaking at a private event in Chennai, Dhoni acknowledged batting struggles in the past two seasons but expressed confidence that Gaikwad’s return and a mini-auction in December will resolve CSK’s lineup issues.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Return & Captaincy
Gaikwad will reclaim the leadership role after being sidelined due to an elbow injury in IPL 2025, during which Dhoni stood in as captain. Dhoni reaffirmed full confidence in Gaikwad’s ability and clarified that there are no plans to drop him from the team in 2026.
CSK’s Batting Order Problems
The franchise suffered from a batting collapse in the 2025 season, finishing in last place with just four wins. Dhoni admitted that batting woes were a key concern but believes Gaikwad’s return offers the stability they need. As Dhoni quipped, “You can play with your eyes”—a nod to aging fitness concerns but unmatched hand-eye skill.
Future Plans: Auction & Squad Fixes
Dhoni highlighted an upcoming small auction in December, where CSK will look to plug loopholes and reinforce the squad. The aim is to address middle-order gaps and inject fresh depth to the batting lineup.
Dhoni’s Future & Retirement Talk
At 44, Dhoni reaffirmed that retirement is not on his immediate agenda. He said his body needs six to eight months of post-season assessment before deciding on IPL 2026, though fans continue to hope he returns. His fitness remains a talking point, but his influence on CSK remains invaluable.
Summary Table
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Captaincy for IPL 2026 | Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed by Dhoni |
| Batting Concerns | Addressed via Gaikwad’s return and upcoming auction |
| Upcoming Auction | Mini‑auction in December to fix squad issues |
| Dhoni’s Role | Still playing; retirement decision in next 6–8 months |
| Health Note | Doctor cleared his eyes; rest of body not fully cleared |
FAQs
Who will captain CSK in IPL 2026?
MS Dhoni confirmed that Ruturaj Gaikwad will return as CSK captain for IPL 2026.
How does Dhoni assess CSK’s batting woes?
He admitted concerns about the batting lineup but believes Gaikwad’s return restores balance.
What are CSK’s plans ahead of IPL 2026?
They will participate in a mini‑auction in December to plug squad gaps and strengthen the batting order.
Disclaimer: This article is based on verified news reports and comments. Please verify independently before taking any decisions based on it.
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