Watch: Not Ruturaj Gaikwad! CSK players start following MS Dhoni’s instructions after just 2 losses

Chennai Super Kings suffered their second successive defeat of IPL 2025 after losing to Rajasthan Royals in a thrilling game at Guwahati. After the match, the CSK players followed MS Dhoni's instructions instead of their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

After the match ended in RR's favor, MS Dhoni was seen asking his CSK teammates to shake hands with the Royals head coach Rahul Dravid, who is visibly unfit and requires crutches or a wheelchair to move from one place to the other.

Despite being unfit, Dravid made his way for customary handshakes after the game. As Dravid struggled to move smoothly, Dhoni asked his CSK teammates to shake their hands with the RR head coach.

Also read: MS Dhoni mentioned as ex-India star claims Ruturaj Gaikwad is "under too much pressure"

Watch: Not Ruturaj Gaikwad! CSK players start following MS Dhoni’s instructions

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MS Dhoni is easily the most influential player of CSK and has a huge impact on the youngsters in the team. Even the captain Ruturaj Gaikwad listens to him and follows his instructions carefully.

Both Dhoni and Dravid were seen in a light mood and spoke to each other after the match. They were joined by the offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin and the bowling consultant of the team, Eric Simmons.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's fifty goes in vain

Coming to the match, Ruturaj Gaikwad's impressive fifty went in vain as CSK failed to chase down the target set by Rajasthan Royals. Gaikwad looked fluent in his knock and aced the chase till the time he was at the crease.

He found the gaps easily and showed his class throughout his knock. While the other batters gave away their wickets, Gaikwad completed his fifty off just 37 balls. However, he played a shot one too many and was dismissed for a brilliant 63 off 44 balls by the legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga.

Gaikwad struck 7 fours and 1 six during his knock. CSK needed 54 off 25 balls after his dismissal and the onus came on the experienced shoulders of Jadeja and Dhoni. However, the veterans failed to finish the game off as the Super Kings lost by 6 runs.

MS Dhoni's captaincy records

MS Dhoni-led CSK to a record five IPL titles. He is regarded as one of the best captains to have ever played the game. However, he gave up the captaincy after leading the team to a title win in IPL 2023.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed Dhoni's successor as he has been a consistent performer for the team. However, his captaincy tenure hasn't been impressive as the Super Kings failed to qualify for the playoffs last year.

Chennai Super Kings have had a poor start to this season, winning just one out of the first three matches. They defeated Mumbai Indians in their first match but then lost back-to-back games to RCB and Rajasthan Royals respectively.

It is a long tournament which gives them ample time to make a comeback. CSK have lots of experience in their team which augurs well for them.