In a massive twist for the Chennai Super Kings this IPL season, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has been officially ruled out of the tournament due to an elbow injury. The development, which has sent shockwaves through the CSK camp, was confirmed by head coach Stephen Fleming in a press conference held in Chennai.
The injury occurred during CSK’s recent match in Guwahati, where Gaikwad was struck on his elbow. Initial X-rays were inconclusive, but an MRI scan revealed a fracture in the radial neck of the elbow, confirming the worst for the 27-year-old opener.
“He got hit in Guwahati. He’s been operating with an amount of pain,” said Fleming. “We got an X-ray, which was inconclusive, and we had an MRI, which revealed a fracture. So we’re disappointed and feel for him.”
Gaikwad’s form had been one of the few bright sparks in what has otherwise been a turbulent season for the five-time champions. With four losses in five matches, CSK find themselves in unfamiliar territory — and now without their captain.
However, in what feels like a script straight out of a movie, the legendary MS Dhoni is set to return as CSK captain, taking charge of the Yellow Army once again.
“We have an uncapped player, MS Dhoni, who will take over as captain for the remainder of the IPL,” joked Fleming, with a smile that masked the seriousness of the situation.
The return of Dhoni to the captain’s seat will undoubtedly ignite excitement among CSK fans and cricket lovers across the globe. The veteran keeper-batter, who handed over captaincy to Gaikwad at the start of IPL 2025, now has one more shot at leading his beloved franchise — perhaps for the last time.
With CSK’s campaign hanging by a thread, all eyes will now be on Dhoni to spark a resurgence. Can “Thala” turn things around once more? The IPL 2025 drama just got spicier!
