IPL 2025: 'Young Wicketkeeper Leading The Team Now' - Gaikwad Reacts After Dhoni Takes Over CSK Captaincy

Ruturaj Gaikwad has said he will continue be along with the team and support Chennai Super Kings with "young wicketkeeper" Mahendra Singh Dhoni set to lead the five-time champions for the rest of the ongoing Indian Premier League season 18.

Gaikwad was ruled out for the remainder of IPL 2025 due to a hairline fracture in his elbow, which he sustained during CSK's match against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

The 28-year-old had hoped to be the driving force behind CSK's redemption after the team suffered it's fourth defeat in a row. However, on Thursday (April 11), CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that Gaikwad will miss the season and MS Dhoni will lead the team in his absence.

"Due to injury, Rituraj Gaikwad is out of the IPL tournament, and Dhoni will take over as captain for the rest of the game," Fleming had said on the eve of the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Post the announcement, CSK posted a video message from Gaikwad in which the Maharashtra batter said he is gutted to miss the remainder of the season, but added that the team can turnaround their campaign with a young captain leading the team now.

"I am really gutted to miss the rest of the IPL due to an unfortunate elbow injury. I want to thank everyone for your support so far, it truly means a lot. Yes, it's been a challenging season, but we've got a young wicketkeeper leading the team now, and hopefully things will turn around.

"I'll be right there with the squad, supporting them from the dugout. I would've loved to help lift the team out of this situation, but some things are simply out of our control. Looking forward to backing the boys for the rest of the campaign, here's to a strong finish to the season."

"Young wicketkeeper" is a reference CSK batting coach Mike Hussey made last week when there were doubts over Gaikwad's participation in a game due to the same elbow issue and Dhoni taking over the leadership role.

"Ruturaj Gaikwad's participation 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," Hussey had said before the Delhi Capitals clash.

Dhoni returns to the helm for the first time since leading the side to their fifth title in the 2023 season. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter will look to lead CSK's comeback, starting with Friday's clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.