CSK troll MS Dhoni by revisiting ‘no spark’ comment. [Source - @chennaiipl/x]
Ruturaj Gaikwad turned 29 years old today, January 31. Wishes poured in from fans across the country as the Indian cricketer celebrated his birthday. The right-hander has grown into one of the most charming batters in Indian cricket over the last few seasons.
The CSK skipper has earned massive respect for his calm leadership and consistency at the top of the order. Social media was flooded with messages praising his rise from a young prospect to a trusted leader in the CSK setup.
Adding to the celebrations, CSK shared a heartfelt birthday video highlighting Ruturaj Gaikwad’s journey with the franchise. The tribute looked back at his struggles, growth, and success, while also sparking buzz online for a cheeky MS Dhoni reference that fans instantly picked up on.
CSK brings out Dhoni’s ‘Spark’ comment in Ruturaj Birthday video
In the birthday video, CSK traced Ruturaj Gaikwad’s entire journey with the franchise, from the 2019 auction to becoming one of its key faces. What caught everyone’s attention was CSK revisiting MS Dhoni’s famous “no spark” comment, which once questioned youngsters including Gaikwad and later proved completely wrong.
The comment dates back to CSK’s tough 2020 season after a defeat to Rajasthan Royals. Dhoni, in a post-match interview, said the youngsters had not shown enough spark. The remark drew heavy criticism online. Whether it was misjudgment or motivation remains unclear, but it soon turned iconic and memorable.
Ruturaj had a rough start with two ducks and a five in his first three innings for CSK that season. But once he returned to the XI, he smashed back-to-back half-centuries to end the season strongly, offering a glimpse of what was to come and quietly answering Dhoni’s words.
Watch the video below:

Ruturaj Gaikwad proves Dhoni’s ‘lack of spark’ comment Wrong with orange cap season
After finishing 2020 on a high, Ruturaj Gaikwad went to another level in the following season. As CSK made a strong comeback, the right-hander was in sublime form, scoring heavily at the top and becoming the backbone of the CSK batting lineup.
Ruturaj won the Orange Cap with 635 runs at an average of 45.35, including a century and four half-centuries, and helped CSK lift their fourth IPL title. Fans were constantly reminded of Dhoni’s “spark” comment as Ruturaj’s rise turned that moment into cricket folklore.
CSK fans will forever remember the ‘spark’ comment and Ruturaj’s response
Sometimes, criticism from a legend like MS Dhoni changes everything. For Ruturaj Gaikwad, one tough comment didn’t break him but it ignited hunger and belief. He worked harder, responded stronger, and now owns over 5,000 T20 runs, among the fastest by an Indian batter ever achieved.
Ruturaj’s comeback is a true testament to resilience. From struggling youngster to CSK’s most reliable batter, and now the franchise’s captain, he has become the young face of the Super Kings. Even in 2026, CSK proudly showcases how one night or comment from the man himself changed Ruturaj's career forever.


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