3 Reasons why Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK captain is wrong choice

Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 17-year losing streak at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, handing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) a disappointing 50-run defeat in their IPL 2025 game on Friday. This was RCB’s first win at the venue since the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and CSK’s biggest-ever loss at home.

Batting first, RCB put an above-par total of 196/7 in a tricky spin-friendly wicket, with Rajat Patidar top scoring with 51 off 32 balls. Phil Salt (32 off 16) and Virat Kohli (31 off 30 also looked in fine touch, while Devdutt Padikkal (27 off 14) and Tim David (22 off 8) contributed to the tally. Later in the chase, CSK struggled against RCB’s pace attack as Josh Hazlewood (3/21), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/20), and Yash Dayal (2/18) rattled their top order. Rachin Ravindra (41 off 31) was their lone fighter, as other batters walked back in regular intervals. Legendary wicket-keeper-batter, MS Dhoni (30* off 16), played a small cameo, but it was too late as the home team were way far from the target, eventually finishing at 146/8.

Following the defeat, many experts and fans pointed fingers at Chennai’s skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, questioning his leadership qualities under pressure. Despite being backed by Dhoni, Gaikwad’s decisions, including the bowling changes and batting order choices, have been criticized. Dhoni, who handed over the captaincy at the start of IPL 2024, had earlier stated that he discusses strategies with Gaikwad but avoids imposing his advice. The veteran had clarified after CSK’s season opener against Mumbai Indians that he is more focused on reinventing himself as a player rather than making backroom decisions.

Here are the three reasons why Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK captain is a wrong choice:

3. Lack of experience in leading

Leadership in a competition like the IPL is not just about wearing the captain’s armband, it requires making the right decisions at crucial times, situational awareness, and the ability to inspire a team. Last season, when Gaikwad was given the captaincy, there were concerns over his lack of experience, and those concerns have resurfaced this year.

In IPL 2024, CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing with seven wins from 14 games. This season, they have already suffered a defeat, and while it may be too early to judge, the IPL does not allow room for long struggles in leadership. Gaikwad, who is still finding his feet as a captain, and his lack of experience were evident against RCB, where CSK failed to capitalize on their strong start. While the right-hand batter leads his domestic team, Maharashtra but the pressure of IPL is different. While Dhoni had a remarkable first season as CSK captain, leading them to the finals in 2008, Gaikwad struggled in his first season in 2024, failing to take the team to the playoffs.

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2. Bowling changes

While CSK has experienced spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in their roster, Gaikwad’s role was to utilise them effectively. However, he failed to do so against RCB. Notably, Ashwin, despite conceding 22 runs in his first two overs while also picking up the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal, was not brought back into the attack when RCB batters were scoring runs at a good rate against other bowlers. This decision cost the side as the opposition capitalized on the ineffective bowling changes and posted a defendable total.

With new rules in IPL 2025, including the ‘two-ball rule that allows for a fresh ball from the 11th over of the second innings and the ‘Impact Player’ rule that allows an additional bowler, captains have greater control over their bowling resources. Yet, the 28-year-old’s inability to make the right calls at the right time showcased his inexperience. While MS Dhoni is still around to guide him, ultimately, the captain has the last call on the field, and Gaikwad fell short in that department.

1. Comparison dilemma with MS Dhoni

One of the biggest challenges for any CSK captain post-Dhoni is dealing with the comparisons. The 43-year-old has set the bar incredibly high, winning five IPL titles and leading CSK to multiple finals. His ability to read the game, handle pressure, and make bold decisions made him one of the most successful captains in the history of the game. Last year, after he was handed the captaincy, many compared him to the Ranchi-born.

Last year, after being given the captaincy, Gaikwad was constantly compared to the Ranchi-born. Many even predicted that history might repeat itself, just as Ravindra Jadeja stepped down midway through the 2022 season to focus on his game, allowing Dhoni to comeback to the role, some believed Gaikwad could face a similar fate.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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