IPL 2025: Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) at home, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey provided an update on franchise skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury.
Gaikwad was hit on his unprotected elbow during the previous clash of the ongoing 18th edition of the cash-rich league against Rajasthan Royals at Guwahati. This incident occurred when the 28-year-old player stepped out to face the bowling of right-arm seamer Tushar Deshpande in the second over, while chasing a target of 183 runs.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Hussey said, “Yeah, we’re hoping he (Gaikwad) is going to try to have a bat today in training. And, yeah, the elbow is still a little bit sore, but it’s improving every day. So, we’re very hopeful that he’ll be fine for tomorrow.”
MS Dhoni to Take Over Captaincy?
While there is optimism about Gaikwad’s recovery, Michael Hussey hinted that wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is a likely option to lead CSK in the upcoming game against unbeaten Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
“I don’t think we’ve actually thought about that (captaincy) too much. Well, I haven’t thought about it too much. I’m sure Stephen Fleming (CSK head coach) and Rutu have thought about it. But we’ve got some young guy coming through. He’s behind the stumps. Maybe he can do a good job. I’m not sure. He’s got a bit of experience in the role, so maybe he could do it. But I’m not exactly sure, to be honest,” Hussey added.
What This Means for CSK’s IPL 2025 Campaign
As CSK looks to maintain its momentum in IPL 2025, the uncertainty over Gaikwad’s fitness could leave a gap in the leadership. Should Dhoni step in as captain, it would be a major talking point for fans and analysts alike. While Gaikwad has shown leadership qualities, Dhoni’s vast experience and ability to thrive under pressure could be an invaluable asset, especially against a formidable team like Delhi Capitals.
The absence of Gaikwad, even temporarily, could impact CSK’s performance, as he has been a key player for the team in recent seasons. However, with MS Dhoni potentially stepping into the role, CSK’s leadership would continue to be in capable hands.
MS Dhoni’s CSK Captaincy Record In IPL
| Total Matches Captained | 226 |
| Matches Won | 133 |
| Winning Percentage | 58.84% |
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