For CSK and Ruturaj Gaikwad fans, bad news arrived just before the game against KKR, as their captain has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury. With Gaikwad sidelined, the reins of the five-time champions have once again been handed back to legendary skipper MS Dhoni.
Gaikwad sustained the injury on March 30 after being struck by a sharp bouncer from England and Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer. Despite the pain, the CSK captain went on to play two more matches.
Sharing an update on his condition, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said, “He got hit during the Guwahati match against Rajasthan Royals. He continued to play through the pain. We did an X-ray initially, which wasn’t conclusive. Later, an MRI revealed a fracture in his elbow.”
It will now be interesting to see who comes in as his replacement, if CSK decides to go for one. However, what’s currently gaining attention is a video where Gaikwad can be seen playing football during a Chennai Super Kings training session. The clip has sparked a wave of questions from fans regarding his injury status.
‘Gutted for him’: Stephen Fleming backs Gaikwad amid form speculation
While some felt it was clear that Gaikwad was in pain and that CSK made the right decision, many believe he was sidelined due to poor form. However, if we look at what head coach Stephen Fleming said, he expressed his disappointment:
“We’re gutted for him. He tried really hard, and we appreciate that. But he’s now ruled out of the tournament.”
Fleming added that Gaikwad was keen to keep playing, but the team management had to make the tough call to replace him.
