MS Dhoni all but confirms Sanju Samson's CSK entry

Published - 03 Aug 2025, 10:58 AM | Updated - 03 Aug 2025, 11:36 PM

MS Dhoni all but confirms Sanju Samson's CSK entry

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Chennai Super Kings veteran MS Dhoni has opened up about the return of a player who can bolster CSK's batting unit while also confirming that the team is eyeing certain changes in the mini-auction.

Dhoni has said that the return of CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will level up CSK's batting in the upcoming edition of the IPL. He was ruled out in the middle of the IPL 2025 after sustaining an injury to his elbow.

After Gaikwad was ruled out, Dhoni, who was reappointed as CSK skipper, could not turn the fortunes of the franchise, as they ended at the bottom of the Points table. He also confirmed that the team is eyeing the mini-auction to strengthen their unit.

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MS Dhoni hopeful about Ruturaj Gaikwad's return to bolster CSK's batting order

MS Dhoni confirmed CSK's concerns regarding their batting in the upcoming edition of the IPL, and is hopeful that a fit Ruturaj Gaikwad's return might sort out several issues concerning the batting lineup.

"We are slightly worried about our batting order," Dhoni said at an event in Chennai. "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."

MS Dhoni recognizes the team's recent weak performances and cited that some loopholes in the squad need to be filled to be back as the 5-time Champions-looking side.

"I won't say we [CSK] slacked off [in IPL 2025]," he said. "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," MS Dhoni confirms.

Many have cited that this might be linked with Rajasthan Royals wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson, as there was a buzz about CSK trying to bring him on board within the span of the trade window.

MS Dhoni acknowledges CSK's below-par performance in recent seasons

Dhoni admitted that CSK has given several below-par performances over the last two seasons and also said it was important for the team to identify the areas of concern.

Yes, the last couple of years have not been good for us," Dhoni said. "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."

".....I feel more often than not we have been able to figure out what exactly went wrong. In sports, you know you can have a very good time and at the same time there will be periods when you won't be performing well," Dhoni added.

"In CSK, more often than not, we are on the higher side. So, we do talk about the processes. But at the same time, we do want the result to come to our side. Last year it wasn't there. But looking ahead, we will try to sort out most of the things, and we will hopefully be at our best."

MS Dhoni opens up on his relationship with Chennai

On his journey with the Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni confirmed that he has felt a special bond with Chennai ever since he made his Test debut at this venue. Then, playing for CSK for so many years, it is more than Chennai needs than what Chennai needs from him.

"It's a very long relationship that we have had, and it started much before the start of IPL ... 2005 was the time when I made my Test debut, which happened to be in Chennai. So, it started from that point of time. And yes, CSK helped in a big way because all of a sudden, I'm spending 45-50 days here," exclaimed Dhoni.

"So, I feel the relationship over the years has grown. It helped me improve as a person. It helped me improve as a cricketer. So, CSK just happened. I think it's good for Chennai. So, today it's good for me also."

"Nowadays, when we go and say CSK, it's not a brand only in India, but when we go to Australia, South Africa, or any of the cricket-playing nations," Dhoni concluded.

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India National Cricket Team IPL Chennai Super Kings MS Dhoni Sanju Samson Ruturaj Gaikwad Rajasthan Royals