In a significant blow to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out for the entire IPL 2025 season due to a hairline fracture in his elbow. This injury, confirmed by the team on April 10, has left the five-time champions scrambling for a suitable replacement as they look to navigate a tough start to the tournament.
Gaikwad's absence is a considerable setback for CSK, who have already faced difficulties this season, managing only one win in their first five matches. His leadership and batting prowess were expected to guide the team through the challenges of the IPL. "Unfortunately, Ruturaj Gaikwad is going to be ruled out of the tournament. He got hit in Guwahati. He's been operating with an amount of pain. We got an X-ray, which was inconclusive, and we had an MRI, which revealed a fracture in his elbow, so we're disappointed and feel for him," said CSK coach Stephen Fleming.
With Gaikwad sidelined, MS Dhoni has stepped in as captain once again, a role he has embraced with remarkable success over the years. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman will now lead a team that is in desperate need of revitalization. CSK retained Gaikwad for a hefty Rs 18 crore, underscoring his importance to the squad. However, with his injury confirmed, the team is now in search of a player who can fill the void left by their star batter.
Several names have emerged as potential replacements for Gaikwad, with the team exploring options that could help stabilize their batting lineup. Among the frontrunners is Prithvi Shaw, an explosive opener known for his aggressive batting style. Shaw has played 79 IPL matches, scoring 1,892 runs at a strike rate of 147.47, including 14 fifties. Despite being unsold in the recent auction, he has the experience and flair that could benefit CSK significantly.
Another exciting prospect is 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, who has been making waves in the domestic circuit. Mhatre recently scored 458 runs in seven matches during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, averaging an impressive 65.42, with two centuries and a fifty. His performance in the Under-19 Asia Cup, where he was the second-highest run-scorer for India with 176 runs, has also caught the attention of CSK, leading to his invitation for mid-season trials.
Veteran batsman Mayank Agarwal is also in the mix for a potential call-up. With 127 IPL matches under his belt and a total of 2,661 runs at a strike rate of 133.05, Agarwal has proven experience in the league. He played only four matches last season for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but his past performances indicate he could be a reliable option for CSK.
In addition to these players, CSK is also considering the inclusion of Dewald Brevis, the dynamic South African batter who has shown promise in the IPL with 230 runs across 10 matches at a strike rate of 133.72. Brevis had an outstanding SA20 2025 season, where he scored 291 runs at an average of 48.50 and a striking rate of 184.18, making him an attractive option for the team as they look to bolster their batting order.
As CSK navigates this challenging phase of the tournament, the pressure is on them to make the right decision regarding Gaikwad's replacement. The upcoming matches will be crucial for the team's morale and performance as they seek to improve their standings in the league.
With MS Dhoni at the helm, there is always a sense of hope, but the team will need to rally together to compensate for the loss of their captain. The next few days will be pivotal as CSK finalizes their roster and prepares for the challenges ahead in IPL 2025.
As fans eagerly await news of who will step into Gaikwad's shoes, the excitement and uncertainty surrounding CSK's future in the tournament only adds to the drama of this year's IPL.
