IPL 2025: Was R Ashwin a better option for CSK captaincy than MS Dhoni?

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With Ruturaj Gaikwad officially ruled out of IPL 2025 due to a fractured elbow, Chennai Super Kings have turned to the man who has defined their identity for over a decade -- MS Dhoni.

The decision to hand the reins back to Dhoni may seem natural, even inevitable. After all, he has led CSK to five IPL titles and remains one of the most revered captains in cricket history. But at 43, and visibly past his prime as a finisher, was there room for a different call -- perhaps one involving Ravichandran Ashwin?

The injury to Gaikwad, sustained during a rising delivery from Tushar Deshpande in CSK's clash against Rajasthan Royals, has thrown CSK's campaign into disarray. The team, already under pressure after a poor start-losing four of their first five matches --now finds itself searching for both stability and spark.

Enter Dhoni. He was always the de facto leader, even when not wearing the armband. His calm presence and tactical brain remain unparalleled, and head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the leadership switch with a nod to Dhoni's readiness: "We have an uncapped player, MS Dhoni, who will take over as captain for the remainder of the IPL."

Yet, the question lingers-did Chennai miss a trick by not backing someone like R Ashwin? The off-spinner, known for his cricketing acumen and strategic nous, has led teams in the IPL before. With years of experience across formats and a sharp analytical mind, Ashwin could have offered a fresh direction. Importantly, appointing him would've allowed Dhoni to continue as a mentor, a role he was already thriving in, without the physical toll of full-time captaincy.

Dhoni's ability to marshal resources is unmatched, but his personal form in crunch moments this season has been a shadow of the finisher who once terrified bowlers. With the bat, he's struggled to close games and has rarely faced more than a few deliveries per match. The aura is intact, but the output has dipped.

On the other hand, Ashwin is still actively involved in games-bowling, fielding in key positions, and reading situations. He brings an intellectual approach, one that's increasingly valued in T20 cricket. With Chennai in transition and searching for long-term leadership beyond MS Dhoni, this could have been an ideal moment to explore a new dynamic.

To be fair, it's hard to fault CSK for turning back to their talisman. In moments of chaos, familiarity offers comfort. But as the season unfolds, the decision may invite more scrutiny -- especially if results continue to falter.

For now, CSK fans will once again rally behind MS Dhoni, the legend who has rescued them time and again. Whether sentiment will translate into success remains to be seen. But with Ashwin waiting in the wings, one wonders if Chennai missed a golden opportunity to test a future beyond Dhoni -- before that future becomes inevitable.