3 Players Who Could Replace Ruturaj Gaikwad in CSK Squad

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face a setback as Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season due to an elbow injury.

Head coach Stephen Fleming announced the news during a pre-game press conference before CSK's home match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Gaikwad sustained the injury when a delivery from Tushar Deshpande struck his right elbow during CSK's game against the Rajasthan Royals in Chennai. Although initial X-rays showed no issues, Gaikwad continued playing through the pain for two more games. However, an MRI later confirmed a fracture.

With MS Dhoni stepping in as captain for the rest of the season, CSK now has the option to bring in a replacement under IPL rules. Here are three potential players who could step up to fill the gap left by Ruturaj Gaikwad:

1. Ayush Mhatre

The 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre could be a promising replacement for Gaikwad. CSK had already scouted him for a mid-season trial, hinting at their interest in the young talent.

Mhatre had an outstanding VHT 2024–25 season for Mumbai, amassing 458 runs in seven matches, including 23 sixes and 43 fours. Alongside his impressive batting, he can also contribute as a right-arm off-break bowler.

2. Dewald Brevis

Nicknamed "Baby AB," South African Dewald Brevis could be another strong option, especially since CSK has an available overseas player slot. Brevis has been in terrific form during the recent SA20, scoring 291 runs at a blistering strike rate of 184.17 and an average of 48.50.

With three IPL seasons under his belt with the Mumbai Indians, Brevis brings valuable experience in high-pressure matches. His aggressive batting style could boost CSK's powerplay performance, which is currently the lowest in terms of strike rate.

3. C. Andre Siddharth

Local Tamil Nadu talent C. Andre Siddharth, an 18-year-old, could also be a fitting replacement. The nephew of former Tamil Nadu cricketer Sridharan Sharath, Siddharth recently represented India U19 in the 2024 ACC U-19 Asia Cup.

He was a standout performer in Tamil Nadu's 2024–25 Ranji Trophy campaign, scoring 612 runs in 12 innings. Ravichandran Ashwin has even praised the young batter as a "future star." CSK acquired Siddharth for INR 30 lakh during the mega-auction in Jeddah last year, and he could slot in as an opener alongside Devon Conway or Rachin Ravindra.

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