Ruturaj Gaikwad, captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has acknowledged that MS Dhoni does not place a strong emphasis on wicket-keeping during pregame practice sessions. During the opening weekend of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), the veteran displayed his most fluid form behind the stumps in the victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Following a lightning-fast stumping to trap MI captain Suryakumar Yadav short of his crease off Noor Ahmad’s bowling, MS Dhoni stole the show in the first innings. The bails were pulled off before the right-handed batter could try to get back in the crease after he dragged his leg out while trying an inside-out shot over covers.
The middle-overs expulsion was a major factor in the outcome, as MI quickly fell down 96-6.
This was Dhoni’s first time playing cricket since the Indian Premier League (IPL) season of 2024. He was observed improving his fitness and batting technique throughout the off-season. However, Gaikwad confirmed that not much of his glove-wearing was observed.
“He is still the same, he is fitter this year. He does not practice his keeping at all,” Gaikwad said after CSK’s four-wicket win in Chennai (via India Today).
Rachin Ravindra ended the match with a six in the last over when MS Dhoni stepped out to bat during the run chase but only faced a few deliveries.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Praises Spinners After CSK’s Win Against Arch-Rivals In IPL 2025
MI rookie spinner Vignesh Puthur caused a middle-order collapse that nearly cost CSK the run chase. The hosts were left reeling at 107/4 as the left-arm wrist spinner removed Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda. In the eighth over, Ravindra’s anchor act and Gaikwad’s fluid fifty had taken CSK to 78-1.
Ravindra performed his task flawlessly and got CSK through with five balls remaining, despite the late burst of wickets.
Gaikwad gave the spinners credit for their influence, highlighting Noor Ahmad’s 4/18 match-winning spell in particular.
“Happy to be on the winning side, loved to have been more clinical, but that is how the game goes. That is the requirement of the team (talking about the move to bat at three), and that gives the team more balance, and I am really happy to change my position. The spinners were right on point, and right after the auction, one thing we were really excited about was all those three spinners bowling in tandem at Chepauk. Khaleel is experienced, and Noor is an X-factor, and that is why we wanted him in the team, and it’s good to have Ash as well.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad
On Friday, March 28, CSK will play the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
