CSK faked Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury? MS Dhoni ordered to reveal truth behind captain's IPL 2025 absence
Published - 20 May 2025, 05:34 PM | Updated - 20 May 2025, 05:52 PM
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Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has raised blistering questions over Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence from the Chennai Super Kings' playing XI in the ongoing IPL 2025. While CSK continue their IPL 2025 campaign under the iconic MS Dhoni, Chopra has expressed his confusion over Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence.
Ahead of the Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2025 clash against the Rajasthan Royals in Delhi on May 20, Chopra pointed out that Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was ruled out of the tournament due to an elbow fracture, was then suddenly named captain of the India A squad for the England tour.
Aakash Chopra demands the truth behind Ruturaj Gaikwad's IPL 2025 absence
This raised many eyebrows, with Chopra openly questioning the timeline of Gaikwad’s recovery. If the opener is fit enough to play international cricket within weeks, the cricket pundit wonders why he is not captaining CSK in the ongoing season.
CSK had earlier announced Ayush Mhatre as Gaikwad’s replacement with no hint of a potential return. But now Gaikwad’s selection in the India A squad has prompted Chopra to question whether there is more behind the scenes that fans don’t know about his availability for CSK, as the Maharashtra batter is expected to be available for the very first match against England Lions.
'What's the truth regarding Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury?'
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, “What's the truth regarding Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury? When he got injured, it was said that he was out of the entire tournament. However, he is going to England. He is available from the first India A match.
If he became available so quickly, when did he become fit? If he is still unfit, how is he becoming available? Why is he not playing now if he is fit? I don't know. That's a bit of a mystery about which no clarity has come. I would really want to know what's actually happening there.”
Adding to the drama, Chopra also took a hard look at CSK’s captaincy decisions. He strongly believes that as long as MS Dhoni is playing, there is no need to pass on the leadership mantle. He criticized the franchise’s attempt to groom Ravindra Jadeja and then Ruturaj Gaikwad, only to bring back Dhoni each time when things didn’t go as planned in the league.
Aakash Chopra urges CSK to stop experimenting with captaincy when MS Dhoni is there
The commentator added, “Dhoni has built this franchise with his hands. This year hasn't been good, and last year wasn't good either. If he has to play, play as a captain. I think Dhoni should be the captain. What was the reason behind Dhoni handing over the captaincy to someone else? It was to prepare someone to manage the franchise when Dhoni won't be there.”
Since the alternatives are yet to prove themselves under pressure and with Dhoni still playing, Chopra suggested CSK should stop experimenting with the leadership and stick to what has worked for years.
Chopra signed off by saying, “You went with Jaddu at the start. It didn't work out. Then you went with Ruturaj Gaikwad. This was all for if Dhoni had to leave, but if Dhoni is not going, which it seems like he isn't, you are asking the best captain in this tournament's history not to captain. I don't understand that.”
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