Did MS Dhoni Really Pick Ruturaj Gaikwad? Former CSK Star Raises Doubts
The Changing of the Guard at CSK
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have long been defined by their strategic brilliance and the unflappable leadership of MS Dhoni. However, the recent shift in captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad has sparked intense discussion among fans and former players alike. Subramaniam Badrinath, a former CSK batter and teammate of Dhoni, has openly questioned the narrative surrounding this transition, casting doubt on whether the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman was the primary architect behind the decision.
The Badrinath Critique
Badrinath’s comments highlight a growing sense of frustration regarding the management’s direction. According to the former cricketer, the responsibility for appointing a new skipper rests squarely on the shoulders of the team management, rather than Dhoni himself. Badrinath suggests that while Dhoni may have offered a recommendation, the final authority always lies with the franchise hierarchy.
“Nobody knows whether it’s true that MS Dhoni wanted Ruturaj Gaikwad to become the captain,” Badrinath stated. “This decision cannot come from Dhoni in any way. It had to be the management’s decision. Dhoni could have only given a suggestion. Knowing Dhoni, if at all he had any say in this, he would have suggested Ravindra Jadeja only as the next captain.”
A Challenging Season for the Men in Yellow
The current IPL 2026 season has proven difficult for the five-time champions. CSK currently sits in the seventh position in the points table, with six wins to their name. With only one game remaining, their hopes for a playoff spot remain slim, reflecting a season characterized by inconsistency and strategic ambiguity.
Much of the fan frustration has been directed toward the mystery surrounding MS Dhoni’s availability. Throughout the season, uncertainty has loomed over his participation. Initially ruled out due to a calf injury, and later sidelined by a thumb issue, Dhoni’s physical state has been a constant talking point. Badrinath expressed his dissatisfaction with how the situation has been handled, noting: “There have consistently been questions over whether he’ll play or not before every game. The whole Dhoni situation hasn’t been handled well. Nobody knows the reason. Is it just to create interest in the match, or is it a business decision?”
Concerns Over Recruitment Strategy
Beyond the captaincy debate, Badrinath took aim at the franchise’s broader recruitment strategy. He expressed significant disappointment regarding the performance of the team during both mega-auctions and mini-auctions. According to the former player, the team’s recent signings have lacked the deliberate planning that once made CSK the gold standard of the IPL.
“Even players like Brevis, Mhatre, and Urvil Patel were replacement players. CSK just got lucky with them. It’s not like they did some planning or process to land them,” Badrinath argued. He further pointed out that even successful acquisitions, such as Sanju Samson, were the result of trades involving high-profile players like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. For Badrinath, these moves suggest a lack of cohesive, long-term planning, leaving the team struggling to find its identity in a post-Dhoni captaincy era.
Looking Ahead
As the season draws to a close, the questions surrounding the future of the franchise are only intensifying. Whether the team management will address these concerns or double down on their current path remains to be seen. For now, the legacy of MS Dhoni continues to loom large over the Chennai Super Kings, creating a complex backdrop for whoever leads the side onto the pitch.
