IPL 2025: Watson Supports Dhoni to Guide CSK in Gaikwad's Absence
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Synopsis
In the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad due to injury, Shane Watson backs MS Dhoni to lead Chennai Super Kings. Michael Hussey hints at Dhoni's potential captaincy role against Delhi Capitals. CSK will need to adjust its lineup if Gaikwad is unfit.
Key Takeaways
- Shane Watson supports MS Dhoni as potential CSK captain.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad may miss games due to injury.
- Michael Hussey hints at lineup changes for upcoming matches.
- CSK's top-order needs to improve performance.
- Dhoni's last captaincy led to a title win in IPL 2023.
New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) Former Australia and Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Shane Watson has expressed his support for the iconic wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni to take charge of CSK if regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is unable to make a timely recovery from his elbow injury.
Chennai's batting coach Michael Hussey hinted at this possibility on Friday, ahead of the upcoming match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday.
When asked about the possibility of MS Dhoni stepping in as captain if Ruturaj Gaikwad cannot play in CSK's next game against Delhi Capitals, Watson welcomed this potential decision.
"If Ruturaj doesn’t play, you’d expect MSD to step in. He’s already leading on the field, guiding Ruturaj whenever he can. So, if needed, it would be a very seamless transition for him to take over as captain," Watson shared on JioHotstar.
Gaikwad suffered an injury to his right forearm while attempting to step down the pitch against Tushar Deshpande during CSK’s loss to Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Sunday.
"I don't think we've given the captaincy situation too much thought. I haven't thought about it extensively. I'm sure Stephen Fleming (head coach) and Ruturaj have considered it. However, we have some young talent coming up. He’s behind the stumps and might do a good job. I’m not certain, but he has some experience in that role," Hussey remarked.
Dhoni's last match as CSK captain saw them clinch their record-equaling fifth IPL title, triumphing over Gujarat Titans in the 2023 final in Ahmedabad.
If Gaikwad isn't fit in time, it means that CSK will need to reorganize its middle-order once again. Devon Conway is a backup top-order option and could open alongside Rachin Ravindra, while Rahul Tripathi could slot in at number three.
CSK’s top-order has struggled to post substantial scores thus far, but Hussey expressed confidence in their ability to perform against DC, who have yet to lose a match in the competition.
“I believe we have faced some strong bowling in the PowerPlay. We haven’t managed to achieve those explosive starts just yet," he noted.
