In a significant turn of events for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) due to an elbow fracture. This injury marks a considerable setback for the team, which has relied heavily on Gaikwad's contributions this season. As a result, the veteran MS Dhoni has been reinstated as captain, a role he has embraced with a blend of experience and leadership.
Coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the news during a pre-match press conference, expressing disappointment over Gaikwad's injury, which was sustained in a match against the Rajasthan Royals. “He got hit in Guwahati off Tarun Deshpande,” Fleming explained. “We got an X-ray, which was inconclusive, and we had an MRI, which revealed a fracture in his elbow, in the radial neck. We appreciate the efforts that he's gone to in terms of trying to play, but unfortunately, he’ll be out of the tournament from now.”
With Gaikwad sidelined, the CSK management is now on the lookout for a suitable replacement. Fortunately, they still have one overseas player slot available, which opens up the possibility of signing a foreign talent. The franchise has already begun discussions about potential candidates to fill the gap left by Gaikwad.
Among the top contenders to replace him is Prithvi Shaw. Despite going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Shaw is known for his explosive batting style and has a wealth of experience, having played 79 IPL matches and scored 1,892 runs. His statistics from recent tournaments are impressive: in the SMAT 2024, he accumulated 197 runs in 9 innings at an average of 21.89 and a strike rate of 156.35. In the England One Day Cup 2024, he scored 343 runs in 8 innings with an average of 42.88 and a strike rate of 117.87. Shaw’s ability to score quickly at the top of the order makes him a strong candidate to fill Gaikwad's shoes.
Another young talent in the mix is Ayush Mhatre, a 17-year-old cricketer who has recently caught the attention of CSK management. Mhatre was called for mid-season trials, indicating that the franchise sees potential in him. His performances in domestic cricket have been noteworthy, as he scored 66 runs in 3 innings with a strike rate of 183 in the Navi Mumbai T20 2025 and amassed 458 runs in 7 innings at an impressive average of 65.43 in the VHT 2024-25. Though still raw, Mhatre could be a long-term investment for CSK.
Dewald Brevis, a promising overseas option, has also emerged as a leading candidate. The 21-year-old South African cricketer has been in sensational form, particularly during the SA20 2025, where he scored 291 runs at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 184.17. His aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary could provide the firepower CSK needs in the middle order.
Fleming expressed hope that the team might look internally for a solution, considering players already in the squad. For the upcoming match against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 11, 2025, there are suggestions that Rahul Tripathi could step into the No. 3 role, while Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra might open the innings.
As the CSK management weighs its options, the return of MS Dhoni as captain brings a sense of stability and experience to the team. Dhoni, who has led CSK to multiple IPL titles, understands the pressures of the tournament and is well-equipped to guide the team through this challenging phase.
In conclusion, the loss of Ruturaj Gaikwad is undoubtedly a blow to CSK, but the team is exploring various avenues to fill the void. With potential replacements like Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, and Dewald Brevis on the radar, CSK fans will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of Gaikwad's successor and how the team adapts to this significant change.
