CSK Under Fire: Subramaniam Badrinath Slams Management Over MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad
Chennai Super Kings Face Critical Junction Amid Off-Field Controversy
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves at a crucial crossroads as they prepare for their final game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) regular season. The Men in Yellow are set to square off against the Gujarat Titans at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The stakes could not be higher: CSK requires a massive victory to propel themselves to fourth place on the points table. However, even a dominant win will not guarantee the defending champions a secure spot in the playoffs, leaving their postseason hopes hanging by a thread.
Yet, while the players focus on the high-pressure battle on the field, a storm is brewing off the pitch. Former India and CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath has launched a scathing critique against his former franchise. Badrinath expressed deep dissatisfaction over the management’s handling of the legendary MS Dhoni’s injury saga and openly questioned the leadership transition that saw Ruturaj Gaikwad take the reins of the team.
The Mystery Surrounding MS Dhoni’s Injury Saga
MS Dhoni’s physical fitness and availability have been the subject of intense speculation throughout the season. The 44-year-old icon did not feature on the field this season due to persistent injuries and did not travel with the squad to Ahmedabad for the crucial away game. Despite his absence from the active lineup, Dhoni was spotted in Chennai, posing for the official team photograph during the mid-innings break of the CSK vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) clash.
This sequence of events has raised eyebrows, with Badrinath questioning the transparency of the communication coming from the CSK camp. Speaking on the situation, Badrinath stated:
“There were constant questions about MS Dhoni’s playing status. The entire situation wasn’t handled well by the team, and nobody knows the real reason behind this. One has to wonder if this was done to create interest for the match or was it due to a business decision.”
The lack of clarity regarding whether Dhoni’s absence was purely medical or strategic has left fans and commentators demanding answers, casting a shadow over the franchise’s administrative decisions during a critical phase of the tournament.
Questions Raised Over Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Captaincy
In addition to the Dhoni injury controversy, Badrinath directed his focus toward the team’s leadership structure. Before the season commenced, Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed as the new captain of the Super Kings, a move widely assumed to have Dhoni’s complete blessing. However, Badrinath has cast doubt on this narrative, placing the ultimate accountability on the franchise’s hierarchy rather than the veteran wicketkeeper-batter.
“It is not known if MS wanted Gaikwad as the next skipper,” Badrinath remarked. “Dhoni could have only given a few suggestions, but at the end of the day, it is the management’s decision. So, it is up to the team management to take responsibility.”
The Big Claim: Would Dhoni Have Preferred Ravindra Jadeja?
Delving deeper into the team’s internal dynamics, the former Tamil Nadu batting star dropped a major revelation, suggesting that Dhoni would have favored a different candidate to lead the side. According to Badrinath, the iconic number 7 would have preferred star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to take over the captaincy duties permanently instead of Ruturaj Gaikwad.
This claim carries historical weight. Back in 2022, CSK attempted a leadership transition by appointing Jadeja as captain. However, the move backfired as the team suffered a disastrous start to the season. The captaincy was subsequently handed back to Dhoni, who stabilized the ship and eventually led the franchise to their historic fifth IPL title in 2023.
The leadership puzzle has become even more complicated given the roster movements ahead of the 2026 season, which saw Ravindra Jadeja traded to the Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson. This major shakeup has left pundits wondering how the captaincy dynamics will evolve in the coming years.
Growing Skepticism Over the Super Kings’ Leadership Future
Badrinath is not the only former player to voice concerns over Chennai’s current leadership direction. Recently, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary also expressed reservations regarding Gaikwad’s suitability for the demanding role. The 40-year-old Tiwary admitted he remains unconvinced by the current skipper’s tactical abilities on the field.
Looking ahead, Tiwary urged the Chennai Super Kings management to look for external leadership options, suggesting they should hand over the captaincy duties to Sanju Samson for the 2027 season.
With external criticisms mounting and a must-win game on the horizon, the pressure on Ruturaj Gaikwad and the CSK management has reached an all-time high. How the franchise navigates these leadership debates and administrative questions will undoubtedly shape the future of one of the IPL’s most successful teams.
