MS Dhoni opens up about CSK's future, says 'we need to try to fix some loopholes'

Former India and CSK captain MS Dhoni said Chennai Super Kings' batting order has been sorted after two disappointing seasons and that the return of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will further strengthen the team.

Dhoni had to take over the leadership role in IPL 2025 after the Gaikwad was ruled out due to an elbow injury mid-way through the tournament.

The five-time champions struggled throughout the season and finished last on the table with just four wins from 14 matches, struggling for consistent batting efforts.


“We are slightly worried about our batting order. But I think our batting order is quite sorted out now. Rutu (Gaikwad) will be coming back. He got injured. But he will be coming back. So, we are quite sorted now,” said Dhoni during a private event in Chennai.

Dhoni said that the franchise will look to strengthen the team even more in the mini-auction that would be held later this year.

“I won't say we (CSK) slacked off (in IPL 2025). But there were certain holes that we needed to plug in. A small auction is coming in December. Some loopholes are there, and we will try to plug those in,” he added.

Gaikwad last played at the professional level for CSK against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on April 8. The Maharashtrian had signed an English County deal with Yorkshire but withdrew citing personal reasons.

However, he has been named in the West Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy, beginning later this month.

Dhoni acknowledged the previous two seasons as below-par and said it is important for the team to identify those grey areas.

“Yes, the last couple of years have not been good for us. We have not been up to the mark. But what is important is for you to see the learnings. Yes, you had a bad season. But what went wrong? And that was the question for us last year also.

“We were like, okay, there are some shortcomings. But first we needed to exactly figure out what were the shortcomings and then look at solutions,” he noted.

Dhoni also thanked the loyal CSK fans for their wholehearted support during the strife time, and promised to give a better account of themselves in the coming season.

“I feel more often than not we have been able to figure out what exactly went wrong. In sports, you know you can have a very good time and at the same time there will be periods when you won't be performing well. In CSK, more often than not, we are on the higher side.

“So, we do talk about the processes. But at the same time we do want the result to come to our side. Last year it (result) wasn't there. But looking ahead, we will try to sort out most of the things and we will hopefully be at our best,” he detailed.

The 44-year-old legend also underlined the strong relationship he has fostered over the years with Chennai and the IPL team based in the city.

“It's a very long relationship that we have had and it started much before the start of IPL... 2005 was the time when I made my Test debut which happened to be in Chennai. So, it started from that point of time. And yes, CSK helped in a big way because all of a sudden I'm spending 45-50 days here."

“So, I feel the relationship over the years has grown. It helped me improve as a person. It helped me improve as a cricketer. So, CSK just happened. I think it's good for Chennai. So, today it's good for me also. Nowadays when we go and say CSK, it's not a brand only in India, but when we go to Australia, South Africa, or any of the cricket playing nations,” he noted.