New Delhi, April 10, 2025: MS Dhoni is back at the helm of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury. The news was confirmed by CSK coach Stephen Fleming in a pre-match press conference ahead of Friday’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad is out of the IPL tournament due to injury, and Dhoni will take over as captain for the rest of the games,” Fleming said. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter, who led CSK to their fifth IPL title in 2023, will now guide the team through a challenging season.
Dhoni’s return to captaincy comes as CSK struggles, sitting ninth on the points table after four losses in their first five matches. Gaikwad’s injury is a serious blow, especially considering he was the team’s top scorer in three of the past four seasons.
Fleming humorously referred to Dhoni as an “uncapped player” stepping up to lead, adding that the veteran had no hesitation in taking charge. “He’s stepped up to help guide us out of this if we can,” he said, quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Dhoni’s record as captain remains unmatched. In 226 matches leading CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant, he’s won 133, with a win percentage of 58.84. Under his leadership, CSK clinched titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
With the bat, Dhoni continues to impress. In IPL 2025, he has scored 103 runs in five innings at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate of 153.73. Overall, he ranks sixth in the league’s all-time scorers, boasting 5,346 runs with 24 fifties and a top score of 84.
CSK faces defending champions KKR on Friday at MA Chidambaram Stadium, hoping Dhoni’s return as captain sparks a turnaround in their campaign.
