Adam Gilchrist Confirms MS Dhoni’s CSK Departure After IPL 2025

MS Dhoni will not be playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2026 edition, as former Australia cricketer Adam Gilchrist shocked the world with his statement on Cricbuzz. This comes amidst the CSK’s horror run in the IPL 2025, as they languish at the bottom position in the points table.

Gilchrist advised the Chennai Super Kings to change their strategy and commit to a complete rebuild for the upcoming season in the face of their dismal record.

The Australian legend said that Ruturaj Gaikwad would be the foundation of CSK's future, but he doesn't think MS Dhoni will play for the team in the 2026 Indian Premier League.

MS Dhoni shouldn’t be there next year: Adam Gilchrist

According to the legendary Australian batsman-wicketkeeper, Gaikwad is still a sure choice for the CSK going forward. According to the cricket analyst, he is a crucial member to construct the squad around because of his steady performances and composed leadership.

“So, CSK hasn't had the year they would have hoped for. It's been a difficult one, and now their decision is, do they start to think about next year? Can they resurrect and rebuild? So, who do they retain? Who do they let go? I'm going to start with the injured captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad. Yeah, I'm keeping him, no doubt about it. He's a foundation player. He's a marquee player. You've got to hold on to him,” Gilchrist told Cricbuzz.

Regarding Dhoni's future, the Australian veteran said that the renowned batsman-wicketkeeper has given it his all in the game and that it may be time for the team to focus on its star player. He believes that CSK should now concentrate on forming the team's future.

“Then the big one, MS Dhoni. He has nothing more to prove to anyone in the game. He's achieved it all. MS, well, he'll know what he wants to do, but I'm saying for the future, it's going to cost me this, I know, but perhaps he doesn't need to be there next year. I love you, Ms.. You are a champion, an icon,” Gilchrist added.

Here is the video:

STAY or GO! ✅ | ❌

Dhoni should play IPL 2026? @gilly381 analyses #CSK's squad, right here pic.twitter.com/mfO6qvphrB

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) April 30, 2025

Adam Gilchrist picks Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis as the future of CSK in the upcoming edition

Adam Gilchrist supported up-and-coming players like Rachin Ravindra, Dewald Brevis, and Ayush Mhatre to continue the tradition. Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, whom he described as "exciting and talented," are the "future of the CSK."

For the upcoming season, he also wants the team to keep Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, and even the struggling Vijay Shankar.

He said, “Ravindra Jadeja, what a talent. Yeah, aging, but I still see the rock star as Shane Warren dubbed him way back at the start of this whole beast of a thing that is the IPL. I'm just going to go with him one more time.”

Apart from MS Dhoni, Gilchrist suggested that the CSK need to move on from Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, and Devon Conway.

“Chennai spent a lot to get Conway, and they're not playing him. Unfortunately, he's got to go, and that frees up a fair bit of cash at the auction,” Gilchrist stated.

He also backed Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, and Mukesh Chowdhary to be part of the franchise for the next season.

Also Read: IPL 2025 Top 2 Teams Picked By Adam Gilchrist And Shaun Pollock