IPL 2025: Rift in CSK Camp? Reports Claim Ruturaj Gaikwad unfollowed MS Dhoni on Instagram

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Chennai Super Kings are in turmoil, and it's not just their performance on the field that has fans concerned. After slumping to four straight losses in IPL 2025, including a demoralising defeat at home to Kolkata Knight Riders, the franchise is now facing a storm of speculation off the pitch - all triggered by a single click on Instagram.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who began the season as CSK's captain, has unfollowed MS Dhoni on Instagram - a move that has sent social media into overdrive. The unfollowing comes days after Gaikwad was officially ruled out of the season due to a reported elbow fracture and Dhoni was reinstated as captain.

The timing couldn't be more intriguing. Head coach Stephen Fleming had revealed that Gaikwad was injured during the match against Rajasthan Royals and was advised rest after MRI scans revealed a hairline fracture in his elbow. "He's been operating with pain, and the scans unfortunately confirmed the worst," Fleming said in a press conference, confirming Dhoni would lead the team for the remainder of the tournament.

But just hours after this announcement, fans watching CSK's training session on JioHotstar spotted something strange: Gaikwad juggling a football with his right arm - the same one that was supposedly fractured. He looked relaxed, even playful, tossing the ball with ease and chatting with KKR's Moeen Ali.

A compression sleeve was the only hint of any injury. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra voiced what many were thinking, saying on-air, "How can he juggle the ball if his elbow is fractured? This is not making sense."

While CSK have maintained silence, it's the Instagram activity that has truly ignited the rumour mill. A check on Gaikwad's profile confirmed that he no longer follows Dhoni - a surprising move given their professional bond and CSK's deeply rooted culture of unity and respect for senior players.

Many fans now believe there could be a rift between Gaikwad and the team management. Was the injury a convenient narrative to justify a mid-season captaincy switch? Was Dhoni always expected to return once things went south? The visuals, combined with the social media fallout, suggest all may not be well in the yellow camp.

This isn't the first time CSK have reversed a captaincy call mid-season. In 2022, Dhoni had handed over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja, only to reclaim them weeks later. History seems to be repeating itself - but with an added dose of controversy.

CSK's on-field troubles have only amplified the off-field drama. Once seen as the most stable franchise in IPL history, they now find themselves in unfamiliar territory - with questions hanging over both leadership and locker room harmony.

One thing is certain: Dhoni is back in charge. But the real question now isn't just whether CSK can turn their season around - it's whether the bond between Ruturaj Gaikwad and the franchise has quietly fractured, just like his elbow supposedly did.