It may be the off-season for the Indian Premier League (IPL), but the buzz around team strategies and player moves is already in full swing. With the auction month inching closer, franchises are holding internal discussions to shape their squads for the new season.

Among them, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have wasted no time – their two most prominent figures, MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad, are currently in Chennai, mapping out plans for IPL 2026.

Leaders at the Helm

According to a report by Cricbuzz, which also hinted at Sanju Samson’s dissatisfaction with Rajasthan Royals (RR), both Dhoni and Gaikwad have been spotted at the franchise’s base. Gaikwad has been training at CSK’s high-performance centre for over a week, while Dhoni has joined him for team discussions.

“MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad (he has been practising at the franchise’s high-performance centre for the last one week) are currently in Chennai, and meetings are believed to have taken place among top players and management officials,” the report noted.

While it’s unclear whether the meetings involved talks of a potential move for Samson, one thing is certain – Dhoni and Gaikwad are working on the blueprint for the upcoming season.

A Season to Forget

CSK endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, winning only four of their 14 league matches. Gaikwad missed a major chunk of the season due to a hand injury, and even Dhoni’s presence couldn’t inspire a turnaround.

There were, however, a few bright spots. Mid-season replacements Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre impressed with match-winning performances and are almost certain to be retained. On the other hand, players like Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Devon Conway, and Vijay Shankar may be shown the door ahead of the auction.

For now, CSK fans will have to wait and watch as the franchise decides its next move but with Dhoni and Gaikwad at the helm, the groundwork for IPL 2026 is well underway.