3 players who can replace Ruturaj Gaikwad for the remainder of IPL 2025

Chennai Super Kings recently, posted a video of Dwayne Bravo meeting his old fellows MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. 

As he came to hug Jadeja, he remarked, “Life is so unfair”. 

Chennai Super Kings opener, Ruturaj Gaikwad, perhaps, would be thinking exactly the same, right now. Amid an underwhelming season when his team needed his services and he had to prove his credentials as a leader, Gaikwad suffered a hairline fracture on his elbow. As a result of that, he has been ruled out of the remainder of the season. 

On the eve of CSK’s next game against Kolkata Knight Riders, head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the development and announced their new skipper for the rest of the season.

“He (Gaikwad) got hit in Guwahati He’s been operating with an amount of pain. We got an X-ray, which was inconclusive, and we had an MRI, which revealed a fracture in his elbow, in the radial neck. So we’re disappointed and feel for him. We appreciate the efforts that he’s gone to in terms of trying to play, but unfortunately, he’d be out of the tournament from now. We have an uncapped player, MS Dhoni, who will take over as captain for the remainder of the IPL”

The fans are elated as they will get to see their beloved captain, MS Dhoni back leading the franchise. Chennai Super Kings, though would be contemplating options as to who can replace Ruturaj Gaikwad in the squad. In this article, we have mentioned three top picks that CSK might have a look at as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad for IPL 2025. 

1. Ayush Mhatre 

Ayush Mhatre might be an unheard commodity on the big stage but he is already making a lot of noise as far as domestic cricket is concerned. The 17-year-old is known for his attacking style of play and enjoyed a fruitful outing in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy season. He amassed 458 runs in seven games at an average of 65.43, striking at close to 140. Notably, CSK’s team management also called him for a mid-season trial recently and he could be picked as a replacement for Gaikwad. 

2. Dewald Brewis

Dewald Brewis drew a lot of attention with his strokeplay when he first arrived in the Indian Premier League. He made his debut for MI in the 2022 edition and played seven games that season. He was retained for next season but didn’t get the opportunity to be part of the playing XI. 

He went unsold at the IPL 2025 auction but showed his brilliance in the SA 2025, thereafter. Brewis played a pivotal role in helping MI Cape Town win the title. Striking at 184, Brewis amassed 291 runs in 12 matches at an average of 48.50. CSK could use him as an opener or at number three, given that Rachin Ravindra and Donway aren’t in the best of form. 

3. Mayank Agarwal 

Chennai Super Kings haven’t got the start they would have desired in the powerplay, this season. The openers have been inconsistent with the bat and Mayank Agarwal is someone who could resolve that. Agarwal is a proven customer and has ample experience playing in the Indian Premier League. 

He has provided excellent starts at the top of the order for Punjab Kings in the past and could do a similar job for CSK in IPL 2025. Mayank Agarwal went unsold in the auction and it remains to be seen if CSK take the gamble to rope him in.