CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's middle stump uprooted in comeback game, departs for 1 in Buchi Babu clash; watch video

Injured during the Indian Premier League (IPL), pulled out of County and One-Day Cup stint for Yorkshire, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad made an underwhelming return with the bat in the ongoing Buchi Babu Invitational tournament 2025. Gaikwad got bowled for a single-digit score on Day 2 of the clash against Chattisgarh.

In the first session, Gaikwad walked out to bat at no.4 after the wickets of opener Sachin Dhas and Siddhesh Veer. On the fourth ball he faced, he missed the length and was bowled in an attempt to play a pull shot. The middle stump was flattened by left-arm spinner Varun Singh. Maharashtra lost three wickets for 80 runs in the 23rd over.

Earlier, Gaikwad was handy with the ball, wrapping up Chattisgarh's innings. On the first ball, the left-handed batter Shashank Tiwari took a single. Then, Sourabh Majumdar hit the ball over Gaikwad's head for a six. Majumdar wanted to play another attacking shot but misjudged the length. Gaikwad took a simple catch on follow-through as Chattisgarh were bowled out for 252 in 89.3 overs.

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Gaikwad’s long absence from cricketing action

Earlier this year, the 28-year-old was picked in India A’s squad for England tour but wasn’t picked in any of the two games against England Lions. He was expected to make his red-ball return for Yorkshire in County Championship Division One 2025 but pulled out citing personal reasons. He was expected to feature in England’s One-Day Domestic Cup 2025 as well.

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Gaikwad to feature in Duleep Trophy 2025

Gaikwad is way down the pecking order in the T20Is. His next major assignment will be Duleep Trophy 2025. He will be playing for West Zone under the leadership of Shardul Thakur. West Zone are in the semifinal which is scheduled to begin on September 4.

Gaikwad confirmed to captain in IPL 2025

In an event, MS Dhoni confirmed that fit-again Gaikwad will bolster the batting lineup amidst speculations of CSK roping in Sanju Samson ahead of mini-auction.

"We are slightly worried about our batting order," Dhoni said at an event in Chennai. "But I think our batting order is quite sorted out now. Rutu (Gaikwad) will be coming back. He got injured. But he will be coming back. So, we are quite sorted now."