Why Is Ruturaj Gaikwad Not Opening For CSK Against MI?

Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK [Source: @nayan8452640947/x.com]

Chennai Super Kings are currently playing against their arch-rivals, Mumbai Indians in the third match of the IPL 2025. Notably, the captain of CSK, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is a designated opener did not walk out to bat at his favoures position in the game.

CSK won the toss ahead of the game and opted to filed first in the match. Mumbai Indians had a poort start to the match but some late heroics by Deepak Chahar helped them reach respectable total of 155 runs at the end of their 20 overs. 

As the Chennai Super Kings walked out to bat, it was expected by many that Ruturaj Gaikwad would open the innings along with their overseas star, Rachin Ravindra. However, much to the surprise of everybody, Rahul Tripathi, who came in as a replacement walked out with the Kiwi southpaw.

Why Ruturaj Gaikwad did not open in the match?

The experts and analysts have spotted the presence of Trent Boult in the MI bowling attack as a reason behind this move by CSK. If we look at the face-off between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Trent Boult in IPL, then we can see that the Kiwi pacer has been thoroughly dominant.

Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Trent Boult in IPL

As Trent Boult has had the better in this face, off CSK might have opted to not expose Ruturaj to him and push him down the order.

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