NEW DELHI: The big IPL 2027 question around MS Dhoni is whether the veteran will return to the Chennai Super Kings squad next season. Dhoni did not appear in a single match during IPL 2026, and his absence has left his future hanging in uncertainty.
CSK’s captain Ruturaj Gaikwad faced questions about that uncertainty after Chennai were handed an 89-run defeat by Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With CSK’s playoff hopes already effectively gone, Gaikwad was asked directly whether Dhoni would be part of the team next year.
Quick facts
- MS Dhoni did not play any match in IPL 2026 and is a doubt for IPL 2027.
- CSK were beaten by Gujarat Titans by 89 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
- Gaikwad said even the dressing room is unsure about Dhoni’s next-season return.
- CSK ended IPL 2026 with 12 points, a net run rate of -0.345, after 14 matches (6 wins, 8 losses).
- Gujarat Titans posted 229/4 after being put in to bat; CSK were all out for 140.
- Dhoni was initially sidelined for the first two weeks with a calf injury and did not travel to Ahmedabad for the final league match.
When asked, “Will MS Dhoni play next year?”, Gaikwad responded that the answer will only become clear once the season arrives. He added that the team’s feeling is that Dhoni is someone who can unsettle opponents, particularly in the late overs, where a settled batting presence can shift pressure and momentum.
Gaikwad also stressed that CSK had missed Dhoni’s impact throughout the season. At the same time, he said they remain appreciative of the group they had, and proud of the experience the players gained during IPL 2026.
Dhoni’s campaign began with trouble, as he was ruled out for the initial two weeks because of a calf problem. However, he never returned as the tournament continued, and he also did not make the trip with the squad to Ahmedabad for the final league fixture against Gujarat Titans.
That loss to Gujarat Titans, coming on Thursday, formally ended CSK’s playoff contention and wrapped up their IPL 2026 journey. Across their 14 matches, CSK managed six wins and eight defeats, finishing on 12 points with a net run rate of -0.345.
Ahmedabad match report
Chasing a huge target after being asked to bat first, Gujarat Titans piled up 229/4. The foundation was laid by a 125-run opening stand between Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, which gave the Titans a platform to build from.
CSK could not keep up with the required rate and collapsed to 140 all out. With the match effectively slipping away early, Chennai never established a meaningful challenge despite the target being set in a 20-over format.
Gaikwad explained that CSK wanted to attempt the chase as early as possible, but acknowledged how difficult it is to chase 230 against a top-level bowling unit. He said the Titans deserved credit, adding that they outplayed CSK across departments.
On the decision to field after winning the toss, Gaikwad said there was no real regret. He felt the surface looked “spongy” at the start and noted that Gujarat Titans had made a strong beginning, helped by CSK’s bowling errors and a lack of execution during the powerplay.
He pointed out that once Gujarat’s openers get going, it becomes extremely hard to stop them, and even though there were moments when CSK could have capitalised, they failed to restrict the Titans to a lower score such as 200. In Gaikwad’s view, those missed chances proved costly on the night.
CSK’s season turning points
Before the Ahmedabad defeat, CSK’s season had briefly lifted. They had strung together three straight wins against Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants, and for a time momentum looked like it had returned.
That momentum faded, though, and Chennai then suffered three consecutive losses against LSG, SRH, and GT. Those setbacks severely dented their campaign and made the route to the playoffs increasingly difficult.
Gaikwad described IPL 2026 as a tough start for CSK, especially after a hat-trick of defeats. He said that once the team found momentum, they began to place players in the right roles and combinations, which improved their results.
Injuries then disrupted that rhythm again. Gaikwad highlighted that missing Jamie and another all-rounder, Ramakrishna Ghosh, unsettled their playing XI, forcing CSK to frequently balance the side by being short in either batting or bowling across the last stretch of matches. He also pushed back against the idea that CSK’s youth and transition phase should automatically be viewed as a weakness, particularly in a competition as demanding as the IPL.
IPL 2026 results (CSK)
CSK’s match-by-match results in IPL 2026 were as follows:
- Mar 30: Lost to PBKS by 8 wickets
- Apr 03: Lost to RCB by 5 wickets
- Apr 05: Lost to DC by 43 runs
- Apr 11: Won against KKR by 23 runs
- Apr 14: Won against SRH by 32 runs
- Apr 18: Lost to MI by 10 wickets
- Apr 23: Won against GT by 103 runs
- Apr 26: Lost to LSG by 8 wickets
- May 02: Won against DC by 8 wickets
- May 05: Won against LSG by 8 wickets
- May 10: Won against SRH by 5 wickets
- May 15: Lost to MI by 7 wickets
- May 18: Lost to GT by 5 wickets
- May 21: Lost to GT by 89 runs
Despite the disappointment, Gaikwad said the positives remain in the experience gained by a young core. He pointed out that more than eight or ten players had played just under 20 matches, and that exposure would help them understand where they need to improve.
Gaikwad also reflected on missed opportunities that could have changed the season’s outcome. He cited games on the road where CSK failed to chase 80 in 10 overs during a trip to Hyderabad, and another match in Chennai where they could have restricted the opposition to 180. He said those narrow moments are the kind that can decide results, and CSK fell short in a couple of them.
Even so, he said he was proud of the overall unit. In his assessment, the team still learned valuable lessons and gained important match experience, even if the campaign did not end the way they wanted.
