CSK batting coach Michael Hussey says skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s elbow injury is improving; hints at MS Dhoni stepping in as potential captain for high-stakes IPL 2025 clash against Delhi Capitals.
Chennai, April 5: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has provided a positive update on skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fitness ahead of their crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash against the unbeaten Delhi Capitals (DC) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.
Gaikwad suffered a blow to his unprotected elbow during CSK’s recent match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. The 28-year-old opener was struck while attempting an aggressive shot against Tushar Deshpande in the second over of CSK’s chase.
At the pre-match press conference, Hussey confirmed that Gaikwad’s injury is being closely monitored and his recovery is progressing steadily.
“Yeah, we’re hoping he [Gaikwad] is going to try and have a bat today during training. It’s still a little bit sore, but it’s improving every day. So, we’re very hopeful that he’ll be fine for tomorrow,” Hussey told reporters, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
With Gaikwad’s availability still uncertain, questions have emerged about who might lead CSK if he is ruled out. When asked if veteran MS Dhoni could take up the captaincy reins once again, Hussey dropped a strong hint.
“I haven’t thought about that too much, but I’m sure Stephen Fleming and Rutu have. We’ve got some young guy coming through — he’s behind the stumps. Maybe he can do a good job. He’s got a bit of experience in the role, so maybe he could do it,” Hussey said with a smile, referring to Dhoni.
The potential return of Dhoni as captain, even temporarily, would be a nostalgic and strategic move for CSK as they look to bounce back in the tournament.
Match Preview – CSK vs DC
Delhi Capitals, under the leadership of Axar Patel, have looked sharp and undefeated so far this season. The clash with CSK promises to be a high-voltage encounter, especially with the possibility of MS Dhoni donning the captain’s hat once again.
Squads for CSK vs DC – IPL 2025
Delhi Capitals: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Ashutosh Sharma, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Donovan Ferreira, Tripurana Vijay, Darshan Nalkande, Dushmantha Chameera, T Natarajan, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Manvanth Kumar L, Madhav Tiwari.
Chennai Super Kings: Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Jamie Overton, Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudhary, Devon Conway, Shaik Rasheed, Sam Curran, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shreyas Gopal, Anshul Kamboj, Nathan Ellis, Gurjapneet Singh, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Andre Siddarth C, Vansh Bedi, Deepak Hooda.
Stay tuned for match updates and lineup confirmations as CSK prepare to defend their fortress in Chennai.