MS Dhoni’s IPL 2027 Future Uncertain as CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Reflects on Disappointing 2026 Exit
Following a crushing 89-run defeat to the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad addressed the media regarding his team’s early exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 and the uncertain playing future of former captain MS Dhoni.
Will MS Dhoni Play in IPL 2027?
Dhoni missed the entirety of the IPL 2026 season after sustaining a calf injury during the initial weeks of the tournament. He did not travel with the squad for their final league fixture in Ahmedabad, prompting questions about a potential return in 2027.
“Obviously, you will get to know it next year itself. Even I’ll get to know it next year,” Gaikwad stated regarding Dhoni’s availability. “He’s someone who can instill 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. We definitely missed him a lot this season.”
Gujarat Titans Outplay Chennai Super Kings
CSK’s playoff aspirations officially ended Thursday after an IPL campaign defined by inconsistency. Opting to field first on what Gaikwad described as a “spongy” surface, CSK’s bowling attack failed to contain the Gujarat Titans’ top order.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan forged a 125-run opening partnership, propelling Gujarat to a formidable 229/4. In response, the CSK batting lineup collapsed under scoreboard pressure, managing only 140 runs before being bowled out.
Match Summary: GT vs CSK
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | 229/4 (20 overs) | Won by 89 runs |
| Chennai Super Kings | 140 all out | Eliminated |
Injuries and a Roster in Transition
CSK finished their season with 12 points, securing six wins and eight losses with a net run rate of -0.345. According to Gaikwad, consistent injuries disrupted team balance. Key players like Jamie and all-rounder Ramakrishna Ghosh being sidelined forced the team to play either a batter or a bowler short in critical late-season matchups.
Gaikwad emphasized that the franchise is currently navigating a transition phase, heavily reliant on inexperienced talent. More than eight players on the current roster have played fewer than 20 professional T20 matches.
- Early Struggles: CSK opened the season with three consecutive losses before finding a temporary rhythm.
- Momentum Shifts: Consecutive wins against Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants were offset by a subsequent three-game losing streak against LSG, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and GT.
- Missed Opportunities: Gaikwad highlighted narrow failures, including an inability to chase 80 runs in 10 overs against SRH and failing to restrict opponents to under 180 runs in Chennai.
“It’s good to have that exposure for them, especially this year,” Gaikwad concluded, expressing pride in the young unit despite the playoff miss. “We got to know the areas we are lacking. A couple of games where we could have just got over the line, we failed to do that, but I am still very much proud.”