Shocking Claim: Was MS Dhoni Against Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK Captain Over Ravindra Jadeja?

Former CSK Star Questions Dhoni’s Role in Captaincy Transition

A significant controversy has erupted within the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp, with a former batter and teammate of MS Dhoni, Subramaniam Badrinath, openly questioning the decision-making process behind Ruturaj Gaikwad’s appointment as captain. Badrinath’s remarks cast a shadow over the highly publicized leadership transition, suggesting that Dhoni might have preferred veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for the coveted role instead.

These startling claims come at a tumultuous time for the Chennai Super Kings, who currently find themselves in a precarious seventh position in the IPL 2026 points table. With six victories under their belt and only one game remaining in the league stage, their playoff aspirations hang by a slender thread, making the internal dynamics and leadership choices even more critical.

The Enigma of MS Dhoni’s Absence

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the perplexing absence of MS Dhoni throughout the current IPL season. Despite his presence at venues like the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Dhoni has not featured in any of CSK’s matches, leaving fans and pundits alike bewildered about the precise reasons behind his consistent exclusion from the playing XI. The mystery surrounding his unavailability has fueled considerable speculation and discussion.

Early in the season, it was reported that Dhoni was sidelined due to a calf injury. Later, midway through the competition, a thumb injury was cited as the reason for his continued absence. However, even when seemingly declared fit or available, the iconic skipper has remained conspicuously absent from the Men in Yellow’s lineup. This ongoing situation has led to pointed questions from cricketing observers regarding the transparency and management of Dhoni’s role within the squad.

Unanswered Questions About Dhoni’s Situation

Badrinath critically remarked on the handling of the situation, stating, “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? Is this also part of the process?” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among some sections of the cricketing fraternity and the fanbase who seek clarity on the legendary player’s status and the team’s strategy.

The Captaincy Conundrum: Gaikwad vs. Jadeja

Ruturaj Gaikwad was handed the captaincy reins after MS Dhoni stepped down, a decision that was widely perceived as Dhoni’s personal choice for his successor. However, Badrinath challenges this narrative, strongly implying that the final call could not have rested solely with Dhoni and must have been a management decision. He believes Dhoni’s role would have been limited to a suggestion, with the ultimate responsibility lying with the CSK management.

“Nobody knows whether it’s true that MS Dhoni wanted Ruturaj Gaikwad to become the captain. This decision cannot come from Dhoni in any way. It had to be the management’s decision. Dhoni could have only given a suggestion,” Badrinath asserted. His most impactful claim, however, revolves around Ravindra Jadeja. He added, “Knowing Dhoni, if at all he had any say in this, he would have suggested Ravindra Jadeja only as the next captain.”

This statement reignites discussions about Jadeja’s brief and tumultuous captaincy stint in IPL 2022, where he was appointed skipper only to hand it back to Dhoni midway through the season due to poor team performance and personal struggles. Badrinath’s assertion suggests that despite that challenging experience, Dhoni’s trust in Jadeja’s leadership abilities might have remained, making the current choice of Gaikwad more questionable in the eyes of some.

CSK’s Auction Strategy Under Fire

Beyond the captaincy debate, Subramaniam Badrinath expressed profound frustration with what he perceives as a series of poor decisions by the CSK management in recent seasons, particularly concerning their player acquisition strategy during both mega and mini-auctions. His dissatisfaction stems from what he characterizes as disappointing player signings that have failed to yield consistent success for the franchise.

Badrinath highlighted a perceived lack of foresight and planning in CSK’s recruitment, suggesting that the team has relied more on luck than strategic process for some of its key replacements. “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,” he elaborated, pointing to a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents.

Furthermore, Badrinath scrutinized even what appeared to be a successful player acquisition, citing the trade for Sanju Samson. He noted that this move came at a significant cost, as CSK had to part ways with two crucial players, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, to secure Samson. This transaction, in Badrinath’s view, underscores the absence of truly independent, successful decisions made by the management without substantial compromise or reliance on external factors. “So there is no decision that they’ve made, which has worked in isolation,” he concluded, painting a bleak picture of CSK’s recent strategic direction.

Implications for the Chennai Super Kings

Badrinath’s pointed criticisms raise significant questions about the internal workings of the Chennai Super Kings, a franchise long admired for its stability and shrewd decision-making under Dhoni’s leadership. The claims about captaincy succession and auction failures could potentially impact team morale, fan perception, and future player recruitment. For Ruturaj Gaikwad, leading a team under such scrutiny, especially with the shadow of Dhoni’s legacy and Jadeja’s potential alternative, adds immense pressure.

As CSK battles for a playoff spot, these revelations from a respected former player add another layer of complexity to their challenging season. The onus is now on the CSK management to address these concerns, provide clarity, and demonstrate a clear vision for the future, both on and off the field, to reassure their loyal fanbase and maintain their reputation as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.