IPL 2025: Dhoni back as CSK captain after injury ends Gaikwad's season

IANS April 10, 2025 546 views

MS Dhoni is set to lead Chennai Super Kings once again after Ruturaj Gaikwad's unexpected elbow injury sidelined the young captain. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman returns to familiar leadership role, hoping to turn around CSK's disappointing campaign performance. This marks Dhoni's first captaincy stint since the memorable 2023 IPL final where CSK clinched their fifth title. With the team currently struggling near the bottom of the points table, Dhoni's strategic comeback could be crucial for CSK's tournament hopes.

"Dhoni was ready to take over. He understood where it was coming from" - Stephen Fleming
IPL 2025: Dhoni back as CSK captain after injury ends Gaikwad's season
Chennai, April 10: Mahendra Singh Dhoni is set to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) once again in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out for the remainder of the season with an elbow fracture.

Key Points

1

Dhoni returns to leadership after Gaikwad's season-ending injury

2

CSK struggling at second-last position in points table

3

Veteran captain leads team in crucial match against KKR

4

Experienced skipper seeking team's revival strategy

Gaikwad, who was leading the CSK in IPL 2025, sustained a blow to his right forearm during CSK’s match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati earlier this season. Scans later revealed an elbow fracture, effectively ending his campaign.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the news and the leadership change ahead of their crucial match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday.

“As far as replacements go, we have a few options in the squad. We haven’t zeroed in on anyone. Dhoni was ready to take over. He understood where it was coming from,” Fleming said during the pre-match press conference.

This will be Dhoni’s first match as captain since the IPL 2023 final in Ahmedabad, a memorable night when Ravindra Jadeja hit a six and a four in the final two balls to secure CSK’s fifth IPL title. Having handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad at the start of the season, Dhoni had taken a step back from leadership duties but continued to play a key role behind the scenes and with the bat.

Dhoni has led CSK in a record 235 matches, including all of the franchise’s five title wins. He had briefly relinquished the role in 2022, handing the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, but poor results led to Dhoni reassuming control midway through the season.

Chennai Super Kings are currently languishing at the penultimate spot in the points table with only one in five matches. They have suffered their biggest-ever home defeat in 18 years of the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Thala for a reason! 🦁💛 This is exactly what CSK needs right now. The team needs that Dhoni magic to turn things around. Wishing Ruturaj a speedy recovery though - he was doing decently as captain.
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Priya M.
Mixed feelings about this. On one hand, Dhoni's experience is invaluable, but on the other, shouldn't CSK be looking to groom new leaders? The team's problems seem deeper than just captaincy issues.
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Sanjay T.
CSK's over-reliance on Dhoni is concerning. What happens when he finally retires? The management should have had better succession planning. Get well soon Ruturaj!
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Ananya R.
The King is back! 👑 Can't wait to see Dhoni leading from the front again. That 2023 final was legendary - maybe we'll get another fairytale ending this season? #WhistlePodu
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Vikram S.
Poor Ruturaj - he was just finding his groove as captain. Injuries can be so cruel in sports. Hope he comes back stronger next season. Meanwhile, let's see if Dhoni can work his magic once more!

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Tags:
IPL 2025 MS Dhoni Chennai Super Kings Ruturaj Gaikwad Cricket Leadership
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