Chennai Super Kings' batting coach Michael Hussey remained coy on who would lead if Ruturaj Gaikwad is ruled out of the IPL 2025 match against the Delhi Capitals on Saturday at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium. The former Aussie batter further revealed that a young wicketkeeper might also fill in the playing eleven.
Gaikwad, whose half-century against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati went in vain, was hit on his hand by pacer Tushar Deshpande. Hence, the right-handed batter remains doubtful for the match against the Super Kings. It will indeed be a massive blow for the five-time champions should they lose their in-form batter, having already lost two out of three matches.
Speaking at the pre-match presser, Hussey said, as quoted by The Indian Express:
"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. If he doesn’t play, not sure who will lead. But there is a strong chance that a young wicketkeeper might fill in."
MS Dhoni's strong record as captain
The legendary keeper-batter's has a robust record as a captain in IPL matches, ushering the Super Kings to glory on five occasions two Champions League titles. The 43-year-old is also the only captain in IPL history to have over 100 wins and is the most-capped skipper with 226 games.
However, Dhoni's ability to win matches has been on the wane, characterized by his valiant effort in the previous match against the Royals when the Yellow Army require 19 off the final six balls. The Capitals, on the other hand, have won both their matches so far.
