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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad heaped praise on his predecessor MS Dhoni, calling his ability to keep contributing to the team at 43 years of age “remarkable.” Gaikwad hopes Dhoni will once again play crucial knocks for CSK in IPL 2025, as the franchise gears up for their opening match against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday (March 23).
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Dhoni’s Timeless Impact on CSK
Despite stepping down as captain, Dhoni remains a key figure in the CSK camp. In IPL 2024, he batted lower down the order and scored 161 runs in 14 matches, smashing 13 sixes while finishing games for his team.
Gaikwad, who took over the captaincy from Dhoni, is in awe of the legendary wicketkeeper-batter’s ability to perform at such a high level.
“A lot of new players have joined the team, and sometimes they struggle to strike the ball as well as he is doing right now. So, it definitely inspires a lot of us, including myself,” Gaikwad said in a pre-match press conference.
“Whatever he is doing at 43 is remarkable. We have certain strengths that we have been following for the last two years, and I hope he continues to deliver those crucial knocks for us.”
Dhoni’s Focused Training for IPL 2025
Gaikwad also revealed that Dhoni has fine-tuned his training regime to suit his lower-order role for CSK this season.
“His training is very much limited to what he aims to achieve in the IPL. It’s very simple—focused on hitting as many sixes as possible, getting the right swing, and staying in the best shape,” Gaikwad said.
While many fans speculate about Dhoni’s retirement, Gaikwad believes he still has many years left in him.
“Even Sachin Tendulkar is batting as great as ever in the Masters League at the age of 50. So, I think there are still many years to go for MS Dhoni.”
Gaikwad on CSK’s New Signings & Spin Attack
CSK’s squad for IPL 2025 boasts an impressive spin-bowling unit with Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad in the mix. Gaikwad believes this attack will be a massive challenge for opponents, especially on slow Chepauk wickets.
“When you have someone like Ashwin and Jadeja, and then Noor alongside them, it makes for a strong bowling unit. We always wanted an aggressive spinner who could take wickets regularly, and Noor fits that role perfectly. Our attack this season will be tough to handle for any opposition.”
With CSK aiming for their sixth IPL title, Gaikwad will look to lead from the front, while Dhoni’s presence remains a vital factor in the Super Kings’ championship ambitions.
CSK vs MI – The IPL 2025 Rivalry Begins
The much-anticipated CSK vs MI clash is set to take place on March 23 at 7:30 PM IST, with fans eagerly waiting to see Dhoni back in action. Will the former captain continue to defy age and deliver yet another vintage MSD finish? The cricketing world will be watching!
