Ruturaj Gaikwad breaks silence on MS Dhoni’s IPL future after CSK’s exit: 'You and I will get to know...'

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad responded to the biggest talking point after CSK were knocked out of IPL 2026. He answered a question on MS Dhoni’s future in the league.

After CSK’s heavy 89-run defeat to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, Gaikwad was asked in the post-match presentation whether fans will see Dhoni next season. The question came amid growing speculation over whether the legendary wicketkeeper-batter will continue playing in the IPL and his rumoured rift with CSK management.

Gaikwad said that even he is unsure about Dhoni’s plans going forward. "You and I will get to know it next year. It’s a hard miss for us. He can come in those late overs and change the game just by staying in the crease. Never know about next season but really happy with the guys we have," Gaikwad said.

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During the conversation, former India cricketer and commentator Sunil Gavaskar also made a light remark from the commentary box, saying he expected Gaikwad to answer in a Dhoni fashion, similar to when the former CSK captain had famously replied "definitely not" when asked about retirement.

"I would have liked him to say 'definitely' just like Dhoni said 'definitely not' a few years ago after CSK's last game," Gavaskar said.

CSK’s defeat marked their third straight season without making the playoffs, underlining a difficult transition phase for the five-time champions. Ever since Dhoni stepped down as full-time captain, the team has not been at its best. Dhoni did not play a single match this season, making it the first time in IPL history that he has not featured in any game.

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As far as the match is concerned, Shubman Gill (64 off 37) and Sai Sudharsan (84 off 53) added to their remarkable consistency as an opening pair with a record seventh century partnership, fuelling Gujarat Titans to 229 for four on a true batting surface.

Jos Buttler (57 not out off 27) blasted a barrage of sixes and fours in the second half of the innings to prop up the total.

CSK, who had a slim chance of making the play-offs going into this must-win game, lost the match in the powerplay when they lost four wickets for 51 runs. The visitors' were all out for 140 in 13.4 overs after a six filled cameo from Shivam Dube (47 off 17).

Mohammed Siraj took three wickets in the first six overs, including that of Sanju Samson, who edged the very first delivery of the CSK innings. Samson fished at a wide delivery and got a faint tickle on way to Buttler.

Titans capped of their successful stage campaign with nine wins in 14 matches, totalling 18 points. Sunrisers Hyderabad too can reach 18 points if they win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are already on 18 points, tomorrow.

The top two sides out of four play-off teams get two shots at reaching the final scheduled in Ahmedabad on May 31.

(With agency inputs)