Overview
Despite high expectations, MS Dhoni will not captain the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their intense IPL 2025 face-off with the Delhi Capitals (DC) this Saturday.
Why MS Dhoni Isn’t Leading CSK
Ruturaj Gaikwad, acting as the first-choice skipper for CSK, has been medically cleared to play following a recent injury, thus taking the captaincy role for the upcoming match.
The Injury Concern
Gaikwad had suffered a blow to his right forearm during a previous match against the Rajasthan Royals, casting doubt on his ability to play. His recovery has been swift, allowing him to lead the team once again.
The Toss and Team Strategy
At the toss, DC’s captain Axar Patel elected to bat first, leveraging the potential for initial favorable bowling conditions. DC also made a critical change in their lineup, bringing in Sameer Rizvi to replace Faf du Plessis, who is not fit for this game.
CSK’s Response and Adjustments
CSK also made strategic changes, with the goal of bouncing back from recent defeats. They brought in Devon Conway and Mukesh Choudhary to strengthen their squad, expressed by Gaikwad stating the team’s position and adjustments designed to regain momentum in the series.
Playing XI for Both Teams
- Chennai Super Kings: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
- Delhi Capitals: Jake Fraser-McGurk, KL Rahul (w), Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma
Conclusion
While fans may be disappointed not to see Dhoni leading the squad this time, the strategic decisions for both teams suggest an enthralling match is on the horizon in IPL 2025.
Related: 5 Jaw-Dropping Moments from Hardik Pandya’s DRS Blunder in IPL 2025 That Set Social Media
Last Updated: April 5, 2025
