Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will lock horns against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash on Monday, May 18 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. However, there is no proper clarity on MS Dhoni's participation in the key clash.
MS Dhoni reveals his advice to Ruturaj Gaikwad
It was being claimed that MS Dhoni will appear in the game against SRH, as it is the last home fixture for CSK in the ongoing season and it could be former India skipper's last IPL game as well. However, from Monday morning onwards, it has been reported that the former CSK captain might not play despite being fully fit.
At a CSK event ahead of Sunday's practice session, the star wicketkeeper-batter revealed what he advised current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, as the young captain is trying to figure out his leadership style in the ongoing season.
The former CSK skipper revealed that he gave a free hand to Ruturaj, cricket is a sport where the captain has to take decisions on his own. While making a comparison, Dhoni said in football a manager is the one who takes decisions but it does not work like that in cricket.
“What I told Rutu was to run CSK the way he wanted to run it. That’s how I have run CSK for a very long time. And I always felt it’s a game where the captain has to make the decisions. Yes, there are coaches and support staff, but it’s not like football where the manager decides. In cricket, it’s about the captain and he has to decide," said Dhoni.
Dhoni further said that Ruturaj needs to develop his own identity while picking certain things from the previous leaderships as well, as everyone is a different individual.
“Yes, there will be certain things that he will pick from the way I used to lead. But individuals are different… Whatever you feel is your style, you have the full liberty over here to decide," said Dhoni.
While talking further, Dhoni revealed he made it clear to Ruturaj that there is no compulsion to follow his advice, as it's not fair for someone who is leading the side to follow someone else's inputs.
Also Read: Hours head of CSK vs SRH, R Ashwin indirectly confirms MS Dhoni won't play a game in IPL 2026
"I’m very open, I’ll come and talk to you, but you don’t have to do even one thing that I speak to you about. Let’s say I come up with ten pieces of advice, if you don’t follow even one, that is fair enough. When you are the leader, you have to take that responsibility. As a leader, you see the resources that you have and how you want to use them," Dhoni concluded.
How Ruturaj has fared in IPL 2026
Leading CSK in 2026, Ruturaj Gaikwad has endured a tough campaign with the bat, scoring only 306 runs in 12 innings at a disappointing average of 30.60 with a defensive strike rate of 124.90. However, he managed to score two half-centuries, with his highest score being 74 off 50 balls vs GT. It will be interesting to see if he could pick up some form in the business end of the tournament.
Can CSK secure a playoff berth?
After enduring a tough loss vs LSG, CSK will look to secure a win in their upcoming clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, 18 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The clash will be significant for the Yellow Army, as a win could make sure their presence in the race to playoffs.