Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has questioned why Ruturaj Gaikwad is not playing for the CSK in IPL 2025. He also added that Ruturaj seems to be fit and available as he has been picked for the India A squad for the upcoming England tour as well. Notably, Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament due to a fracture in his elbow and was replaced by Ayush Mhatre in the CSK squad, whereas Dhoni was handed over the captaincy duty as well.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra’, he said, “What’s the truth regarding Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury? When he got injured, it was said that he was out of the entire tournament. However, he is going to England. He is available from the first India A match. If he became available so quickly, when did he become fit? If he is still unfit, how is he becoming available? Why is he not playing now if he is fit? I don’t know. That’s a bit of a mystery about which no clarity has come. I would really want to know what’s actually happening there.”

ALSO READ: “He is the most successful Indian Test captain” – Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli

However, Aakash Chopra also added that MS Dhoni should captain CSK even after IPL 2025 if he continues to play for the franchise as well.

“Dhoni has built this franchise with his hands. This year hasn’t been good and last year wasn’t good either. If he has to play, play as a captain. I think Dhoni should be the captain. What was the reason behind Dhoni handing over the captaincy to someone else? It was to prepare someone to manage the franchise when Dhoni won’t be there,” he said.

“You went with Jaddu at the start. It didn’t work out. Then you went with Ruturaj Gaikwad. This was all for if Dhoni had to leave, but if Dhoni is not going, which it seems like he isn’t, you are asking the best captain in this tournament’s history not to captain. I don’t understand that,” Aakash Chopra concluded.