Dhoni Returns As CSK Captain, Replaces Injured Gaikwad (Image:x.com/ChennaiIPL_)
In a dramatic twist, Mahendra Singh Dhoni will lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the remainder of IPL 2025. The franchise announced the decision through their social media accounts. He is replacing Ruturaj Gaikwad since he was ruled out of the tournament due to an elbow injury. As CSK will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday night (April 11), all eyes will be on the 43-year-old player as he is back in the role of skipper.
Dhoni, who previously captained CSK from 2008 to 2023 had handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad in 2024. Gaikwad, meanwhile, sustained a fracture on his elbow from a short ball by Jofra Archer during a match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) after which he played two matches. As per CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, an earlier X-ray scan was inconclusive before an MRI revealed the injury. “So we’re disappointed and feel for him. We appreciate the efforts that he’s gone to in terms of trying to play, but he will be out of the tournament,” Fleming said.
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🚨 OFFICIAL STATEMENT 🚨
Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the season due to a hairline fracture of the elbow.
MS DHONI TO LEAD. 🦁
GET WELL SOON, RUTU ! ✨ 💛#WhistlePodu #Yellove🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/U0NsVhKlny
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 10, 2025
Since Dhoni is coming back to the captaincy, who led the side to a record five titles, he has a mammoth task to do for CSK. The team currently sits ninth in the table of 10 teams, winning only one out of their first five matches. The former Indian captain has to deal with many problems in the team especially replacing Gaikwad, who can be easily picked as the best batter for CSK in the season so far. The five time champions’ appeared miserable, particularly, while chasing anything in excess of 180.
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Meanwhile, the Chennai fans remains hopeful of their Thala’s mastermind just like he did in 2023. Back then, when Ravindra Jadeja failed as captain in the early stages of the season, Dhoni took over and led CSK to the title. Under his leadership, CSK have lifted the IPL trophy in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, making them joint-highest title winners alongside Mumbai Indians.
