• Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury.

  • Speculation erupted as injured CSK captain was seen playing football despite IPL 2025 exit.

IPL 2025: Fans raise speculation over ruled out Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury after CSK captain was spotted playing football
Fans raise speculation over ruled out CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury after spotted playing football (Image source: X)

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced a significant setback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season when their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was ruled out due to an elbow injury. This development led to the reinstatement of MS Dhoni as the team’s captain. However, recent footage of Gaikwad playing football has surfaced, sparking debates and speculations among fans regarding the severity and timing of his injury.​

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury and its impact on CSK

Gaikwad sustained an elbow injury during a match against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30, 2025, when he was struck by a short ball from Jofra Archer. Despite the injury, Gaikwad continued to play in subsequent matches against the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. However, medical examinations later revealed a hairline fracture in his elbow, leading to his withdrawal from the remainder of the IPL season. CSK’s head coach, Stephen Fleming, expressed disappointment over the development, acknowledging Gaikwad’s efforts to play through the pain. In Gaikwad’s absence, the experienced Dhoni resumed captaincy duties for the team.

“So we’re disappointed and feel for him. We appreciate the efforts that he’s gone to in terms of trying to play, but, he will be out of the tournament,” Fleming said in a media release.

Gaikwad seen playing football

Amidst the news of his injury, a video emerged showing Gaikwad engaging in a football session during a CSK training. The footage depicted Gaikwad juggling a football and interacting with teammates, seemingly without discomfort. This video quickly went viral on social media platforms, leading to widespread speculation among fans and cricket enthusiasts. ​ ​

Fan reactions and speculations

The video led to a flurry of reactions from fans, with many questioning the authenticity and severity of Gaikwad’s injury. Some fans speculated that the injury might have been exaggerated or misrepresented, while others suggested that the video could be from an earlier date, prior to the injury. Comments ranged from accusations of a “forceful” exclusion from the team to debates about the responsibilities and pressures faced by players in professional sports. It’s important to note that the exact date of the video remains unverified, adding to the ambiguity and fuelling further discussions. ​

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Here’s how fans reacted:

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.