The rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has long been one of the crown jewels of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, the narrative around these two powerhouses has undergone a dramatic shift. Speaking at a public event in Bengaluru, legendary former captain MS Dhoni reflected on CSK's recent struggles, RCB’s surge in consistency, and what Chennai must adapt to return to their dominant ways ahead of IPL 2027.
MS Dhoni's words on RCB's dominance and CSK's debacle
Without shying away from the truth, MS Dhoni delivered a candid evaluation of both franchises' trajectories over the past two seasons. He praised RCB for capitalizing on their strengths while admitting that CSK had struggled to find rhythm and momentum.
"The last two years, you know, we have struggled, and it's a fact. You know, there's no point shying away from the fact that RCB has done really, really well. And you know that that's how life is. You have good times, you have bad times, but you know how you come out of it, what are the things that you want to work on as a team, those are the crucial things,” Dhoni said.
Dhoni then stated how 'bad times test a team's true character'. He noted that while winning hides tactical flaws, losing forces a franchise to confront reality, adapt, and give players clarity regarding their specific roles on the field.
"Because, you know, when we are winning, we knew that there'll come a point when we'll start losing, and the real test of character is when you're not doing well," he added.
Beyond pure tactics and results, Dhoni highlighted the broader perspective of the IPL as a platform for global entertainment. Reflecting on the intense encounters between CSK and RCB, he expressed hope that the two teams would produce another classic thriller when they meet in Bengaluru in 2027.
"So we hope for another close one so that, you know, next time when we come over here, we can say that, OK, you know, 2027, we had another close game which was a lot of fun for the spectators, because at the end of the day, we are entertainers. You know, we come over here and entertain,” he further stated.
MS Dhoni breaks silence on his IPL future
As has been the case at the end of every season, the burning question remains: Will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2027? Addressing the media during the event, Dhoni offered an honest update on his timeline and decision-making process.
The former captain stated that he must undergo comprehensive medical checks to judge if his body can endure another grueling tournament. His verdict will come before the mid-December deadline, when IPL teams are required to submit their final list of player retentions ahead of the upcoming mini-auction. Dhoni humorously remarked that he is waiting on his doctor's report to evaluate his physical readiness. He added that if he falls short of full fitness, the onus lies entirely on his medical team to restore the 'vintage car' to peak running condition in time.
“Doc, I will have to go through the test. You will have to give me the report, and then before December, I will have to see, you know, how strong I am to maybe play one more season,” the former India captain continued.
“And if I am not, then, you know, you will have to make sure that you do everything right with me and make sure that this old vintage vehicle is running well on the road. So, all the pressure is on them,” Dhoni concluded.
MS Dhoni’s performances in the past 2 IPL seasons
To understand Dhoni's ongoing impact and why his participation remains a major focal point, one must look at his role and statistical contributions across the recent seasons.In recent years, Dhoni transitioned into a specialized late-overs finisher—typically entering the fray for the final 10 to 12 balls of an innings to maximize damage against death bowlers. However, physical challenges, including a calf strain during a pre-season camp that sidelined him for a significant stretch of matches, impacted his overall availability.
He didn't play a single match in IPL 2026 due to calf injury and fitness issues. Meanwhile, in the IPL 2025 season, Dhoni featured in all 14 matches for CSK, stepping up to the crease in 13 innings. Playing predominantly as a lower-order finisher, Dhoni provided valuable late-overs stability and aggression, remaining not out on 5 occasions. Across the tournament, he accumulated 196 runs with a highest individual score of 30. His scoring consistency was reflected in a solid batting average of 24.50, while maintaining a brisk strike rate of 135.17 down the order. Demonstrating his trademark power-hitting when needed, Dhoni struck 24 total boundaries in the campaign, evenly split between 12 fours and 12 sixes.
How have CSK performed since lifting IPL trophy in 2023?
After clinching their historic fifth title in IPL 2023 in a thrilling final against Gujarat Titans, CSK entered a period of transition, marked by captaincy shifts, tactical challenges, and back-to-back exits before reaching the playoffs.
| Season | Captain | Played | Won | Lost | NR | Points | Finish (Points Table) |
| IPL 2024 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 5th Position |
| IPL 2025 | Ruturaj Gaikwad & MS Dhoni | 14 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 8 | 10th Position |
| IPL 2026 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 12 | 8th Position |
1. IPL 2024: Ahead of the 2024 season, MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. CSK delivered an even campaign, recording 7 wins and 7 losses across 14 matches to finish with 14 points. In a dramatic knockout-style final league fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Chennai narrowly missed out on Net Run Rate (NRR), finishing 5th in the standings and missing the playoffs.
2. IPL 2025: The 2025 mega-auction brought structural changes, but Chennai struggled to land their preferred combinations. Beset by middle-order instability and bowling injuries, CSK registered their worst-ever IPL campaign, winning just 4 matches and losing 10. Gathering a modest 8 points, the franchise finished at the bottom of the points table in 10th position.
3. IPL 2026: Hoping for a resurgence in 2026, CSK produced a slightly improved effort but remained inconsistent in key death-overs phases. They finished the league phase with 6 wins and 8 losses, collecting 12 points to occupy 8th position on the points table.
Coaching staff changes ahead of IPL 2027
To address three consecutive years without a playoff appearance, CSK initiated a structural overhaul of their backroom operations ahead of IPL 2027. Long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming ended his iconic tenure as head coach. Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan has been appointed as CSK's new head coach. Former India pacer Mohit Sharma has replaced Eric Simmons as CSK's bowling coach.