• Chennai Super Kings have reappointed MS Dhoni as captain for the remainder of IPL 2025.

  • This unexpected change comes after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to an injury.

Fans go gaga as MS Dhoni returns to lead CSK after Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL 2025
MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image Source: X)

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In a stunning mid-season twist during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Chennai Super Kings have reappointed MS Dhoni as captain for the remainder of the season. This unexpected change comes after Ruturaj Gaikwad, the newly appointed leader, was ruled out due to a hairline fracture in his elbow, sustained earlier in the tournament. The announcement was confirmed by head coach Stephen Fleming during a press briefing on April 10, just a day before their home clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The move brings Dhoni back into the leadership frame for the first time since guiding CSK to a memorable IPL 2023 title win, and it reignites hopes of a turnaround for a side struggling to find its rhythm this season.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury : A critical blow to Chennai’s hopes and continuity

The 28-year-old Gaikwad suffered a painful blow during a practice session involving pacer Tushar Deshpande, which first raised alarm bells. Despite the discomfort, he showed admirable grit by playing the subsequent two matches against Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. However, persistent pain led to advanced scans, which revealed a hairline fracture in the elbow, forcing his immediate withdrawal from the tournament. This is a huge blow not just due to his captaincy role, but also because Gaikwad has been CSK’s most consistent batter over the last four years, having topped the run charts for the franchise in 2021, 2022, and 2024. His absence leaves a major void in CSK’s top-order, already under pressure due to misfiring overseas openers and an aging middle order. CSK announced in their trademark emotional style, posting on X (formerly Twitter):

Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the season due to a hairline fracture of the elbow. MS DHONI TO LEAD. GET WELL SOON, RUTU!,”

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CSK’s disastrous start to IPL 2025

The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. CSK is currently undergoing one of their worst starts to an IPL season in recent memory, with four defeats in their opening five games, placing them ninth on the points table. Their campaign has lacked momentum, with bowling inconsistencies, powerplay struggles, and poor death overs execution. Gaikwad’s departure adds further instability, particularly at the top of the order where CSK has failed to form any reliable opening partnership. The team’s performances have lacked spark, clarity, and tactical sharpness—elements usually associated with the Dhoni era.

MS Dhoni’s leadership legacy

At 43, MS Dhoni remains one of the most respected cricketing minds in world cricket. With five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) under his belt, he is statistically and emotionally CSK’s greatest ever leader. His tactical acumen, on-field calmness, and ability to manage inexperienced players under pressure are legendary. Dhoni had stepped aside ahead of the IPL 2024 season to allow a smooth leadership transition to Gaikwad. But now, with the team underperforming and missing its captain, the responsibility has come full circle. Dhoni’s return is not just a nostalgic move—it’s a strategic one, hoping to tap into his ability to engineer comebacks, just as he did in 2018 and 2023, both times taking CSK from a rebuilding phase to championship glory.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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