‘Even I’ll get to know next year’ – Ruturaj Gaikwad on MS Dhoni’s CSK future after IPL 2026 exit

The future of MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to remain one of the biggest talking points in cricket, and Ruturaj Gaikwad has now shared an honest update following Chennai Super Kings’s (CSK) disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. 

After suffering a crushing 89-run defeat against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 21, CSK officially crashed out of the playoff race. The loss marked a frustrating end to the five-time champions’ 2026 season, which was also marred with injuries, inconsistency, and the absence of key players hurting the side throughout the tournament.

However, as expected, the spotlight after the game quickly shifted towards Dhoni and whether the legendary wicketkeeper-batter would return for IPL 2027.

Speaking after the match, Gaikwad admitted that even the CSK camp is uncertain about Dhoni’s future and said the answer will only become clear next year.

“Obviously you will get to know it next year itself. Even I’ll get to know it next year itself,” Gaikwad said.

The CSK skipper also highlighted the massive impact Dhoni still has on the game despite advancing age. By the time IPL 2027 begins, Dhoni will be 45 years old, but Gaikwad believes the veteran’s presence alone creates fear among opposition teams.

“Obviously, it’s a hard, hard miss for us definitely. He’s someone who can have a fear in the opposition, especially coming in those late overs. Can really change the game, can really change the momentum just by staying at the crease,” he added.

Dhoni missed a significant part of the season, and CSK struggled to find the finishing firepower and composure that the former captain has brought to the franchise for more than a decade. Gaikwad openly acknowledged that the team missed Dhoni’s influence in crunch moments.

“So, he’s someone, definitely we missed a lot this season. But, I mean, we never know about next season. But obviously really happy with the guys we had and really happy with the experience they got this year,” Gaikwad concluded.

Overall, it was a disappointing season for the Chennai-based franchise, winning just six of their 14 matches. They will look to regroup and turn up much better in the upcoming 2027 season of the cash-rich tournament.