Ex-CSK Batter Subramaniam Badrinath Slams Franchise Over Dhoni Saga & Captaincy

Off-Field Turmoil Overshadows CSK’s Crucial Playoff Push

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves in a high-pressure situation as they prepare for their final league game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Men in Yellow require a massive victory to elevate themselves to fourth place on the points table. However, even a decisive win will not guarantee the defending champions a spot in the playoffs, leaving their postseason fate hanging by a thread.

Amidst this intense on-field scenario, off-field controversies have taken center stage. Former India and CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath has publicly criticized his former franchise, raising serious questions about how the team handled the legendary MS Dhoni‘s injury situation and the controversial transition of the team’s leadership.

The MS Dhoni Injury Mystery: Transparency or Business Decision?

MS Dhoni’s physical fitness and playing status have been the subject of intense speculation throughout the season. The 44-year-old icon did not take the field this season due to injuries and did not travel with the squad to Ahmedabad. However, curiosity peaked when Dhoni was spotted in Chennai, posing for a team photograph during the mid-game break of the CSK vs SRH clash.

Badrinath expressed strong dissatisfaction with how the franchise communicated Dhoni’s status to the public and the fans. Speaking on the matter, Badrinath noted that the lack of clarity felt unnecessary and poorly managed.

“There were constant questions about MS Dhoni’s playing status. The entire situation wasn’t handled well by the team, and nobody knows the real reason behind this,” Badrinath remarked. “One has to wonder if this was done to create interest for the match or was it due to a business decision.”

Questions Raised Over Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Appointment as Captain

The leadership mantle at Chennai Super Kings has been another major talking point. With Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the side, Badrinath questioned whether this appointment reflected Dhoni’s actual vision or if it was solely a corporate decision forced by the team’s top brass.

According to Badrinath, the responsibility for Gaikwad’s appointment lies squarely with the franchise’s management rather than the former skipper himself.

“It is not known if MS wanted Gaikwad as the next skipper. Dhoni could have only given a few suggestions, but at the end of the day, it is the management’s decision. So, it is up to the team management to take responsibility,” Badrinath asserted.

The Jadeja Preference and Future Captaincy Speculations

In a surprising revelation, the former Tamil Nadu batting star claimed that Dhoni would have preferred a different player at the helm. According to Badrinath, the iconic number 7 would have favored veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to lead the squad over Gaikwad.

This claim brings back memories of the turbulent 2022 season, when Jadeja was initially appointed captain. The transition did not yield positive results, as the team suffered a disastrous start to their campaign. Consequently, the leadership duties were handed back to Dhoni, who stabilized the ship and eventually guided Chennai Super Kings to their historic fifth IPL title in 2023.

Looking ahead, the franchise’s captaincy puzzle remains complex. Ahead of the 2026 season, Jadeja was traded to the Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson. This blockbuster trade has fueled further discussions regarding the long-term leadership direction of the franchise.

Manoj Tiwary Backs Sanju Samson for Future Leadership

Badrinath is not the only former player voicing concerns over the current leadership structure at CSK. Recently, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary also expressed his reservations regarding Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy capabilities.

The 40-year-old Tiwary admitted he remains unconvinced by Gaikwad’s tactical acumen on the field. To resolve the leadership debate, Tiwary urged the Chennai franchise to hand over the captaincy duties to Sanju Samson starting from the 2027 season, believing Samson possesses the requisite qualities to guide the heavyweights in the post-Dhoni era.

As Chennai Super Kings prepare for their must-win encounter against the Gujarat Titans, the external noise surrounding leadership accountability and management decisions continues to build. Whether Gaikwad can silence his critics with a clinical performance remains to be seen, but the debates surrounding the captaincy are set to linger long after the season concludes.