Former India batter Robin Uthappa said that MS Dhoni returning as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won’t “automatically” solve all the problems for the CSK in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. On Thursday, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said that Dhoni would lead the team for the remainder of the tournament, with Ruturaj Gaikwad being ruled out with an injury.

However, Gaikwad won’t be a part of the tournament now after injuring his elbow during the match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Uthappa, who played for CSK, said that the CSK need to find someone who could fill in the gap for Gaikwad in the playing XI as well. Notably,  Dhoni will lead CSK in their match on Friday against the KKR at the Chepauk. Uthappa also said that with Ruturaj not being there anymore, CSK could think about promoting Rahul Tripathi up to No.3 as well.

ALSO READ: “Aap Lucknow ke naye nawab hain” – Aakash Chopra on Rishabh Pant’s appointment as LSG captain

“I don’t think him being captain is going to automatically turn the tide for CSK. There are a lot of gaps in that side, right? Well, how do you fix that? How do you cover for a solid batter like Rutu, who seems like the only one finding some form?” Uthappa told the broadcasters after the match between RCB and DC in Bengaluru.

“We have Devon Conway, who showed some form in the previous game against Punjab — he scored 69* before getting retired out. Rachin has been a little patchy since the IPL began. You have Rahul Tripathi, who I think will have to come in at number three right now,” Uthappa again said.

“Who do they replace to bring in Ruturaj, and what kind of performance will they produce? Sam Curran — does he come back into the fray, or not? There’s just so much. So many moving pieces, and a lot will be revealed tomorrow. But will that be enough to revive CSK’s hopes in this campaign?” Robin Uthappa concluded.