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