MS Dhoni announces CSK Captain for IPL 2026; says "he doesn't have to..."

After leading the side in their final fixture of the IPL 2025 season, legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has confirmed that Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain the team for the next edition. Dhoni took over the captaincy midway through the marquee tournament after Gaikwad’s injury.

The Super Kings ended their IPL 2025 campaign at the bottom of the standings. However, they ended the season with an 83-run win against the table toppers, Gujarat Titans (GT). The five-time IPL champions regained some confidence and showcased the potential of a young squad in their final match.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Doesn't Have to Worry About Too Many Things - MS Dhoni

Following Chennai Super Kings' final game of IPL 2025, fans and experts waited for clarity on MS Dhoni's future with the franchise. While the CSK legend chose not to reveal whether he would play in IPL 2026 or retire, he did confirm that Ruturaj Gaikwad will return as captain next season.

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Speaking at the post-match presentation, Dhoni stated that there are still gaps to address in the squad but expressed confidence in handing over a settled team to Gaikwad.

"Yes there are a few holes that we'd like to fill but one of the most important things was when Rutu comes back next season at least we are able to give him a team where he just needs to fit in 1 in the playing XI. He doesn't have to worry about too many things," MS Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.

Chennai Super Kings Finish Last in the Standings for the First Time

Chennai Super Kings endured a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign. They finished last in the standings for the first time in the tournament's history. Despite the victory in their final match, Chennai managed just four wins from 14 games. They finished below Rajasthan Royals (RR) due to net run rate.

MS Dhoni, who took over the captaincy mid-season after Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, led CSK in nine matches, winning only three. Dhoni was the oldest player in the league. MS Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.5 and a strike rate of 135.17, with a best score of 30 runs.

Dewald Brevis Named Player of the Match for Explosive Batting

Talking about the match, Chennai Super Kings made one change, bringing in Deepak Hooda in place of Ravichandran Ashwin. Gujarat, led by Shubman Gill, replaced Kagiso Rabada with Gerald Coetzee.

CSK opener Ayush Mhatre smashed 28 runs off Arshad Khan's over early on. Dewald Brevis and Devon Conway struck half-centuries to help the team post a massive total of 230. Brevis scored 57 runs off 23 balls, hitting four boundaries and five sixes.

In response, the Titans lost three wickets during the powerplay. Sai Sudharsan, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, managed 41 runs off 28 balls. Gujarat were bowled out for 147, with Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad picking up three wickets each.

Also read: Watch: Ayush Mhatre brutally assaults Arshad Khan in front of Shubman Gill, hits 28 runs in an over