Ruturaj Gaikwad out of CSK vs DC IPL 2025 match? Who will be CSK captain?

The Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad could be ruled out of the upcoming CSK vs DC IPL 2025 match due to an injury. The batter sustained a nasty blow to his elbow while batting in the RR vs CSK match. Leading from the front, Gaikwad fought valiantly in the chase after the early dismissals of openers Rachin Ravindra and Rahul Tripathi. However, the skipper was struck on his exposed elbow by a delivery from pacer Tushar Deshpande. The CSK captain continued his innings after receiving on-field treatment and went on to score a half-century. However, the same injury could now prevent Gaikwad from featuring in CSK’s next fixture against DC. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni could return to the captaincy role if Gaikwad’s absence is confirmed.

MS Dhoni likely to lead Chennai in the CSK vs DC IPL 2025 match as injury scare looms over Ruturaj Gaikwad

MS Dhoni is in line to revisit his spot as the CSK captain, but on an interim basis this time. Concerns have  piled up about the fitness of Ruturaj Gaikwad, casting doubt on his availability for the CSK vs DC IPL 2025 match. The current CSK skipper suffered a blow to his right forearm after being struck by a rising delivery from Tushar Deshpande during their recent clash against Rajasthan Royals. Since then, Gaikwad has yet to resume training. Speaking on Friday, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey confirmed that a final decision would be taken based on how he fares in the nets.

“Yeah, we’re hoping he’s going to try and have a bat today for training. And, yeah, it’s still a little bit sore, but it’s improving every day. So, we’re very hopeful, very confident that he’ll be fine for tomorrow (Saturday),” Hussey said.

With no obvious deputy in the squad, MS Dhoni remains the most likely candidate to step in if Gaikwad is ruled out. MIke Hussey, refused to name an official replacement of Gaikwad if the skipper misses out on the fixture. However, the batting coach hinted at Dhoni by bringing in 'experience' in the discussion.

“I’m not sure, actually. I don’t think we’ve actually thought about that too much. Well, I haven’t thought about it too much. I’m sure (Stephen) Fleming and Rutu (Ruturaj) have thought about that. 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 said

Beyond leadership, however, the bigger concern is the hole Gaikwad’s absence would leave in CSK’s batting unit. Opening woes have plagued the team across all three games so far with Rahul Tripathi disappointing game after game. Meanwhile, Gaikwad, batting at No.3, has been the lone bright spot with the bat. If the skipper misses the upcoming match, the team will be forced to rework both their playing XI and their overseas mix.

With Rahul Tripathi still searching for form, the think tank is considering bringing back Devon Conway. However, that could lead to a selection headache, as one among Jamie Overton or Matheesha Pathirana would likely have to make way. Overton joined the Playing XI for the RR vs CSK game as a replacement for English seam all-rounder, Sam Curran. Meanwhile, on the eve of the fixture, Anshul Kamboj was seen going through a long and intense net session. His possible inclusion could clear a path for Conway to slot into the top order.