The king is back at the helm. MS Dhoni has officially reclaimed the Chennai Super Kings captaincy for the remainder of IPL 2025 after a major setback rocked the franchise. CSK’s regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the season with a hairline fracture in his elbow, an injury he sustained from a sharp short ball by Jofra Archer.
Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the unfortunate news, stating, “Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL with fracture on elbow. MS Dhoni to take over as captain.” This change marks a dramatic twist in CSK’s season. Dhoni, who has led the franchise to five IPL titles and is synonymous with CSK’s legacy, will return to leadership duties starting with their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai.
The timing couldn’t be more crucial. CSK currently finds themselves languishing at the ninth position in the ten-team table, having lost four out of their five games. With Dhoni stepping back in, fans and players alike will be hoping for a revival of the team’s fortunes.
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At 43, Dhoni’s return isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about responsibility. He had gracefully passed the leadership baton to Ruturaj at the start of the 2024 season, allowing the youngster to take charge while remaining a silent guide. Reflecting on that decision, Dhoni said, “Ruturaj has been with us for quite a while. He’s calm, composed, and has the temperament we look for in a leader. I told him, ‘If I give you advice, you don’t need to follow it. I’ll try to stay away as much as possible.’”
🚨 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
Dhoni was also keen to set the record straight about his role in the team’s strategy during Gaikwad’s captaincy. “There was a lot of speculation that I was pulling the strings in the background. But the truth is, Ruturaj made 99 percent of the calls—bowling changes, field settings, everything. I was just offering occasional support. He handled the players brilliantly.”
Even as he dons the captain’s hat again, Dhoni remains mindful of the ever-evolving nature of T20 cricket. “The game’s changed a lot. Batsmen are willing to take more risks now—with proper cricketing shots, they’re hitting big. You see reverse scoops, sweeps against pacers… that was unthinkable earlier. I have to evolve too. That’s the only way to stay relevant.”
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He also touched on the shift in pitch conditions, noting, “In 2008, the wickets had more turn, they were two-paced. Now, Indian pitches have become much more batting-friendly. The game has transformed—and so must we.”
As CSK look to salvage their season, their most trusted leader is back where he belongs—right in the thick of it.
