Dhoni Confident of CSK Turnaround in IPL 2026, Eyes Mini-Auction to Plug Gaps

MS Dhoni has expressed optimism about Chennai Super Kings’ prospects for the upcoming IPL season, with the return of Ruturaj Gaikwad expected to strengthen the side’s fragile batting unit. Speaking at an event in Chennai, Dhoni acknowledged the team’s recent struggles but was hopeful that strategic decisions in the upcoming mini-auction would help CSK bounce back.

Gaikwad, who captained CSK at the start of IPL 2025, was ruled out after just five matches due to an elbow injury. Dhoni returned to lead the side but could not prevent a disappointing season — CSK finished last on the table, managing only four wins in 14 games.

“We are slightly worried about our batting order,” Dhoni admitted. “But I think our batting order is quite sorted out now. Rutu [Gaikwad] will be coming back. He got injured, but he will be returning. So, we are quite sorted now.”

The former India captain, who has led CSK to five IPL titles, said the focus now shifts to addressing key gaps in the squad at the mini-auction scheduled for December.

“I won’t say we slacked off [in IPL 2025], but there were certain holes that we needed to plug in,” he said. “Some loopholes are there, and we will try to plug those.”

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Dhoni was candid about the franchise’s underwhelming performances in the last two seasons. He emphasized the importance of introspection and learning from setbacks.

“Yes, the last couple of years have not been good for us. We have not been up to the mark,” he said. “But what is important is to see the learnings. Yes, you had a bad season. But what went wrong? That was the question for us last year also.

“We needed to exactly figure out what the shortcomings were and then look at solutions. I feel more often than not, we’ve been able to figure out what went wrong.”

Despite the downturn, Dhoni was confident in the team’s ability to recover. “In sports, you can have very good times and also periods when you don’t perform well. In CSK, more often than not, we are on the higher side. We do talk about processes, but we also want results to come to our side. Last year it wasn’t there. But looking ahead, we’ll try to sort out most things and hopefully be at our best.”

A Special Bond with CSK and Chennai

Dhoni, who has been with CSK since the inception of the IPL in 2008, also reflected on his deep connection with the franchise and the city of Chennai.

“It’s a very long relationship that we have had, and it started much before the IPL,” he said. “In 2005, I made my Test debut in Chennai, and then with CSK I started spending 45–50 days a season here. Over the years, the relationship has grown. It helped me improve as a person and as a cricketer.”

Dhoni also spoke about CSK’s global reach: “Nowadays, when we say CSK, it’s not just a brand in India. When we go to Australia, South Africa, or other cricket-playing nations, people know CSK. So yes, it’s good for Chennai — and good for me too.”

As the team gears up for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on how CSK navigates the auction and whether the return of key players like Gaikwad can restore the franchise to its former glory.

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