IPL 2025 | Dhoni likely to lead CSK today after Ruturaj Gaikwad suffers injury

On Ruturaj Gaikwad's unavailability, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey said, 'we've got some young guy coming through. He's behind the stumps. Maybe he could do a good job. He's got a bit of experience in the role'.

Chennai may once again witness the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepping out for the toss in today's match against the Delhi Capitals after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an injury during their match against Rajasthan Royals.

Dhoni, affectionately called 'Thala' by the Chepauk crowd, is a fan favourite whose one glimpse sets the stadium roaring.

In 2022, CSK had made Ravindra Jadeja their skipper but Dhoni had to take over mid-season owing to a string of losses.

He last captained the team back in 2023 when he led CSK to a victory in the final against Gujarat Titans. He had handed over the captaincy of the Chennai-based side to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the commencement of the 2024 season.

"Ruturaj Gaikwad’s participation in tomorrow’s game will depend on how well he recovered. He is still sore and we would take a call as to how he bats in the nets today," CSK's batting coach Michael Hussey said in the pre-match press conference on Friday, adding, "But we've got some young guy coming through. He's behind the stumps. Maybe he could do a good job. He's got a bit of experience in the role, so maybe he could do it, but I'm not exactly sure, to be honest".

The young wicketkeeper part of Hussey's statement sparked speculations as this might have been a sarcastic hint at Dhoni leading the side once again.

The comment comes amid criticism of the five-time IPL-winning captain for coming down lower the order to bat and CSK coach Stephen Fleming himself admitting that Dhoni can no longer bat 10 overs running full stick.

With PTI inputs