‘Hard Miss For Us’: CSK captain Ruturaj on MS Dhoni’s exit from IPL 2026

New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has addressed the growing speculation surrounding MS Dhoni’s future in the Indian Premier League after CSK’s disappointing exit from IPL 2026. Following the team’s defeat against Gujarat Titans, Gaikwad admitted that Dhoni’s absence was strongly felt throughout the campaign.

CSK’s season came to an end after a heavy 89-run defeat to Gujarat Titans in their final group-stage fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The loss officially knocked the five-time champions out of playoff contention.

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‘We Missed Him a Lot’: Ruturaj on Dhoni

Speaking after the match, Ruturaj Gaikwad acknowledged the massive impact Dhoni still has on the team, both tactically and psychologically. However, he said there is still no clarity on whether the former India captain will return for IPL 2027.

Gaikwad stated that even he would only know about Dhoni’s availability next year. He described Dhoni as a player capable of shifting momentum simply through his presence at the crease, especially during pressure situations in the final overs.

The CSK skipper added that Dhoni’s experience and ability to create fear among opposition bowlers were major factors the team missed during the season.

Dhoni Missed Entire IPL 2026 Season

MS Dhoni did not feature in a single match during IPL 2026 due to a calf injury sustained before the tournament. Despite hopes among fans that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter would recover in time, he remained unavailable throughout the campaign.

His absence left a noticeable void in the Chennai Super Kings setup, particularly during close matches and pressure situations where Dhoni’s leadership has historically played a crucial role.

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CSK End Season on Disappointing Note

Chennai Super Kings struggled for consistency throughout IPL 2026 and failed to build momentum in the second half of the tournament. Gujarat Titans outclassed them in their final outing, exposing weaknesses in both batting and bowling departments.

While the franchise now shifts focus towards rebuilding for the next season, uncertainty around Dhoni’s future continues to dominate discussions among fans and cricket experts alike.

For now, CSK supporters may have to wait until next season for any official word on whether the legendary captain will return to the field once again.