MS Dhoni of Chennai Super Kings walking in to bat in an Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) match. (Sportzpics for IPL)There is a possibility that MS Dhoni could lead Chennai Super Kings one more time, when the team takes on Delhi Capitals on Saturday at Chepauk. CSK are sweating over the availability of their skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who picked up an injury to his right forearm. Gaikwad was hit by a Tushar Deshpande delivery, that bounced extra from a short of good length, in the right arm in their last match against Rajasthan Royals. He hasn’t trained since then and CSK batting coach Mike Hussey on Friday said a call would be taken after how the batsman goes about it in the nets session.
Though Gaikwad did continue to bat after getting treatment on the field, he remains a doubtful starter for the afternoon clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. “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 on the eve of the game.
With no other captaincy options available, in case Gaikwad isn’t fit, it opens the door for CSK to go back to Dhoni, with the team currently struggling with just one win from three matches. When asked about who will step into the role in case Gaikwad isn’t fit, Hussey said, “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 in reference to Dhoni, without taking his name.
More than the captaincy, in case Gaikwad isn’t available, it is bound to weaken CSK’s batting. In all three matches, their top-order has failed to get a steady start with Gaikwad, batting at No 3 being the in-form player. If Gaikwad isn’t fit, then CSK would be forced to tinker their XI and their overseas combination. With Rahul Tripathi not in good nick, CSK have been contemplating bringing back Devon Conway and if that is the case, then they have to drop one of Jamie Overton or Matheesha Pathirana.
On the eve of the game, Anshul Kamboj had an extensive training session, as his inclusion could open the door for Conway to bat at the top.
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