The Chennai Super Kings wrapped up a disappointing IPL 2025 season with a statement win: crushing Gujarat Titans by 83 runs in Ahmedabad. But what truly caught everyone’s attention was what came after the game.
MS Dhoni - the face of CSK for over a decade and a half - addressed the question fans had been waiting for: Who will lead the side next year?
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While Dhoni did not confirm whether he would continue as a player in 2026, he made one thing absolutely clear - Ruturaj Gaikwad will return as the franchise’s captain next season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad to resume CSK captaincy in IPL 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad had started the 2025 campaign as CSK’s full-time captain - taking over from Dhoni. However, an unfortunate elbow injury midway through the season forced him out of action.
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Dhoni stepped in as a stand-in skipper for the rest of the tournament. The team finished at the bottom of the points table but their emphatic final win, led by youngsters like Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel and Dewald Brevis - hinted at a new core forming under Gaikwad’s future leadership.
Confirming Gaikwad’s return, Dhoni said after the match:
"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."
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What about MS Dhoni’s own IPL future?
The 43-year-old wicketkeeper led CSK in the second half of IPL 2025. Dhoni has remained quiet about whether he will return next year.
With no official announcement on retirement or continuation, Dhoni has once again left fans guessing. For now, one thing is certain: the captaincy is back in Gaikwad’s hands.