The mystery surrounding MS Dhoni’s IPL 2026 future is getting bigger but amid all the suspense, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend has finally revealed the advice he gave to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad before the season starts. Dhoni’s revelations revealed how leadership changes within Chennai Super Kings It’s actually happening.
Even though the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has not played a single match in the ongoing IPL 2026 due to fitness issues, the excitement around him has been incredible. However, there is still no clarity on whether Dhoni will play against Sunrisers Hyderabad or not.
MS Dhoni finally opens up on the advice he gave to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings ahead of the final home match of the ongoing IPL 2026 season against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) MA Chidambaram Stadium On May 18, MS Dhoni attended a special event before the team’s practice session in Chennai.
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During the conversation, MS Dhoni revealed how he handled handing over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. The former Indian captain revealed that he encouraged Ruturaj to lead CSK in his own style and trust his instincts, while also reminding him that cricket is not a football game.
ms dhoni “I told Rutu to run CSK the way he wants to run it. That’s how I’ve run CSK for a very long time. And I always felt it’s a game where the captain has to take decisions. Yes, there are coaches and support staff, but it’s not like football, where the manager takes the decisions. In cricket, it’s about the captain, and he has to take decisions,” he said at the event ahead of the CSK vs SRH clash.
MS Dhoni wants Ruturaj Gaikwad to create his own identity
The CSK icon also made it clear that every leader has a different personality and different thinking. He believes that Ruturaj should make his mark as a captain. Dhoni also admitted that it is natural for young captains to learn some things from former captains.
He said, “Yes, there will be some things that he will choose the way I used to lead. But individuals are different… Whatever you feel is your style, you have complete freedom to take decisions here.”
Dhoni also revealed that he never wanted to control Ruturaj behind the scenes. Even if he gives advice or shares ideas, the final decision is taken by the CSK captain only. He believes that leadership grows only when the player takes full responsibility for both success and failure.
Dhoni refuses to control CSK
The CSK icon signed off by saying, “I am very open; I will come and talk to you, but you don’t have to do a single thing that I talk to you about. Let’s say I come with ten pieces of advice; if you don’t follow even one, that’s quite fair. When you are the leader, you have to take that responsibility. As a leader, you look at what resources you have and how you want to use them.”
Notably, Chennai Super Kings are still struggling to keep their playoff hopes alive in IPL 2026. The clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad is a must-win for the franchise, as they are currently placed sixth in the table with 12 points from 12 matches.
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