April 12, 2025: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been caught in the middle of speculation and social media buzz after a major change in leadership and a rough patch in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. With regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the tournament due to injury, franchise legend MS Dhoni has once again taken up the captaincy reins. However, what should have been a celebrated return for the five-time IPL-winning captain has turned into a hot topic of controversy.
According to rumors circulating on social media, Gaikwad has allegedly unfollowed MS Dhoni on Instagram, prompting speculation of a possible rift within the CSK camp. A screenshot doing the rounds shows Gaikwad’s followers list with “MS” typed in the search bar – and Dhoni’s name conspicuously missing. Fans have been quick to fuel the fire.
The timing of the rumor adds to CSK’s woes. The team is enduring a rough season so far, languishing at ninth place on the points table with just two points from six matches. After a promising opening win against Mumbai Indians (MI), the Super Kings have slumped to five consecutive defeats – a historic low for the franchise.
MS Dhoni stepped in as captain in the recent clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but CSK fell short once again, prompting concern among fans and pundits. The return of Dhoni as captain did spark some excitement, but it hasn’t yet translated into victories on the field.
On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad, prior to his injury, had been one of CSK’s key performers with the bat, and his absence is being sorely felt.
The Super Kings will next face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in what’s shaping up to be a must-win match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 14. Whether the team can recover its momentum — and whether the rumored Instagram rift is simply baseless speculation — remains to be seen.