Did MS Dhoni Really Pick Ruturaj Gaikwad? Badrinath Makes Shocking Claim
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A Leadership Transition Under Scrutiny
The leadership shift at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continues to be a subject of intense debate among fans and former players alike. Following MS Dhoni’s decision to step down from the captaincy, Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed as the new leader of the franchise. However, former CSK batter and teammate of Dhoni, Subramaniam Badrinath, has expressed skepticism regarding the decision-making process behind this appointment.
Badrinath’s Bold Claim on Captaincy
In a candid assessment of the current state of the franchise, Badrinath highlighted that the decision to appoint Gaikwad rests solely with the management rather than Dhoni himself. While acknowledging that the legendary wicket-keeper may have provided suggestions, Badrinath argued that the final call is an administrative one. He went as far as to suggest that, if Dhoni were to have had the final say in the matter, he would have likely preferred Ravindra Jadeja to take the mantle.
“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. So the management must only take responsibility for this. Knowing Dhoni, if at all he had any say in this, he would have suggested Ravindra Jadeja only as the next captain,” Badrinath stated.
The Mystery Surrounding MS Dhoni’s Absence
Beyond the captaincy debate, the situation regarding MS Dhoni’s availability throughout the 2026 IPL season has caused significant confusion. Despite being spotted at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Dhoni has been notably absent from the playing XI. While initial reports cited a calf injury and a subsequent thumb injury, fans remain perplexed by the lack of clarity regarding his status.
Badrinath questioned the communication surrounding Dhoni’s participation, suggesting that the uncertainty has not been managed well. “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?”
Frustration Over Auction Strategies
Badrinath’s concerns extended beyond leadership and into the team’s recruitment strategy. He expressed deep frustration regarding CSK’s performance in recent mega and mini-auctions. According to the former player, the team has struggled to build a cohesive squad through planned acquisitions, often relying on luck or trade-based deals.
He pointed to the inclusion of players like Brevis, Mhatre, and Urvil Patel as evidence of a lack of long-term planning, labeling them as lucky finds rather than calculated selections. Furthermore, he noted that major acquisitions, such as Sanju Samson, were the result of trades involving key players like Jadeja and Sam Curran, rather than successful scouting or auction strategy. “There is no decision that they’ve made, which has worked in isolation,” Badrinath concluded.
The Road Ahead for CSK
As the 2026 IPL season nears its conclusion, the Chennai Super Kings find themselves in seventh place in the points table. With six wins under their belt and only one game remaining, the path to the playoffs remains narrow. The franchise now faces a critical juncture where it must address both its leadership structure and its future recruitment policies if it hopes to return to the pinnacle of Indian Premier League cricket. As the dust settles on another challenging season, the questions raised by figures like Badrinath highlight a growing desire for transparency and strategic consistency within the CSK camp.
