'He's behind the stumps': CSK coach drops big hint on MS Dhoni returning as captain in IPL 2025 clash vs DC

Chennai Super Kings head coach Michael Hussey hinted that Mahendra Singh Dhoni could be their stand-in captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash against Delhi Capitals, which is scheduled to take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Gaikwad is currently on the road to recovery from an injury he got during their last IPL clash against the Rajasthan Royals. The opening batter had taken a blow on his elbow and remains doubtful for the afternoon clash owing to the injury, which could pave the way for CSK's five-time IPL winner Dhoni to take charge.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad's participation in tomorrow's game will depend on how well he (has) recovered," CSK batting coach and former player Michael Hussey told the media on the eve of the game.

"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," the Australian great added.

While Hussey claimed CSK haven't "thought too much" about who would step in for Gaikwad, he quipped, a "young man from behind the stumps" could be a good option.

"I don't think we've actually thought about that too much. Well, I haven't thought about it too much. I'm sure (Stephen) Fleming and Rutu (Gaikwad) have thought about that," he said.

"But we've got some young guy coming through. He's behind the stumps. Maybe he could do a good job. He's got a bit of experience in the role, so maybe he could do it, but I'm not exactly sure, to be honest," he added.

CSK got a poor start in IPL 2024, the franchise had played four matches so far, where they managed to register just a single win. The five-time champions are currently eighth in the points table tally.

MS Dhoni is arguably one of the best captains in the history of the IPL. Under his captaincy, CSK won five IPL titles, which is the joint most by any team. Dhoni left the captaincy before IPL 2024 and the franchise appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as their full-time captain. In 2022, CSK made Ravindra Jadeja their skipper, but Dhoni had to take over mid-season owing to a string of losses.