Overview

• Ruturaj Gaikwad will resume captaincy for IPL 2026 following his recovery from an elbow injury that sidelined him in 2025
• Chennai Super Kings plan to address batting inconsistencies by targeting reinforcements in the December mini-auction
• The franchise finished last in IPL 2025 with four wins from 14 matches, prompting a full squad review
• MS Dhoni has earned a five-year clearance for his eyesight but awaits complete body approval before confirming his playing future
• With Gaikwad leading, Dhoni intends to concentrate on specialist wicketkeeping and mentoring his successor