MS Dhoni Confirms CSK’s Batting Line-Up Is “Sorted” With Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Return for IPL 2026

Despite finishing 10th in IPL 2025, Dhoni remains hopeful as Gaikwad’s comeback and a focused mini-auction aim to fill the gaps

August 3 in New Delhi, India: Legendary cricketer and ICC Hall of Famer MS Dhoni has told Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans that their team’s batting problems will get better when captain Ruturaj Gaikwad returns for the next IPL season. This may give them some optimism. Dhoni spoke at a recent function and said he was sure that the team’s batting order was “quite sorted.” He also hinted at strategic alterations that will be made before the mini-auction in December.

CSK’s 2025 IPL season was not good at all. They were at the bottom of the table, in 10th position, with only four victories in 14 games. It was a big blow when captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was hurt and couldn’t play anymore after just five games. He scored 122 runs at an average of 24.40 with two fifties. Not only did his absence make the top order weaker, but it also showed in the team’s failure to establish momentum early in the season.

Dhoni said that Gaikwad’s injury had an effect, but he sounded hopeful that he would be back:

“I think our batting order is pretty much set for now. Gaikwad will be returning because he was hurt. So it seems that we have everything in order now. We will strive to close any other holes that may be there before a small sale in December.”

CSK used to be a sign of stability in the IPL, but they have missed the playoffs for two years in a row. They came in fifth in 2024, with seven victories out of 14 games, just missing the cut. The 2025 campaign was even worse, showing that they needed to change their plans and get new leaders.

Dhoni interestingly took over as captain again in the middle of the season while still wearing the finisher’s helmet. He only had a few chances to bat, but he still scored 196 runs in 14 games, with an average of 24.50. He even had a Player of the Match performance against the Lucknow Super Giants.

Dhoni showed that he still has the Midas touch when he was behind the stumps. His customary lightning-fast stumpings got both spectators and commentators excited, reminding everyone why he is still considered one of the best wicketkeepers of all time. Dwayne Bravo, a teammate, jokingly said, “People pay to see those short moments of magic by Captain Cool.”

Fans haven’t been happy with CSK’s previous performances, but the return of Gaikwad, a planned tactical auction, and Dhoni’s continued presence all set the stage for a new campaign in IPL 2026.

As Chennai gets ready to start over and come up with new plans, fans will be hopeful that Ruturaj Gaikwad’s comeback and Dhoni’s calmness can bring back the Super Kings’ championship spirit. The Yellow Army has a great chance to rebuild and come back to glory with only a few months left until the next mini-auction.