CSK Faces Challenge as Ruturaj Gaikwad Suffers Injury
Chennai Super Kings captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, will miss the Indian Premier League 2025 due to a severe elbow injury. In his absence, the legendary MS Dhoni will take the reins to guide the five-time champions during the season.
Details of the Injury
Gaikwad was struck by a delivery from Jofra Archer during a match against Rajasthan Royals on March 30. Despite initial X-rays being inconclusive, an MRI later confirmed a fracture in the radial neck of his elbow.
Stephen Fleming, the head coach of CSK, shared, “He’s been operating with an amount of pain. We appreciate the efforts that he’s gone to in trying to play, but he will be out of the tournament.”
Viral Video Raises Questions
With Gaikwad sidelined, a recent video showing him playing football has stirred debate among fans on social media. The timing and authenticity of the video are currently unverified, causing speculation about the severity of Gaikwad’s injury. Comments range from suggestions of being “forcefully dropped” to beliefs that it’s an old video.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Despite Gaikwad’s injury, he has been a pivotal player for CSK with his consistent performance. His absence is keenly felt, particularly as the team strategizes to reinforce the top-order batting line-up, with potential inclusions like Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda.
Emerging talents such as Vansh Bedi and Mumbai teenager Ayush Mhatre are also on the radar to possibly fill the gap left by Gaikwad.
Final Thoughts
The loss of Ruturaj Gaikwad is undoubtedly a considerable setback for CSK. However, under Dhoni’s experienced leadership and the potential reshuffling of the playing squad, the team looks to navigate through these challenges with resilience and strategic plays.
(With PTI Inputs)
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Last Updated: April 11, 2025