The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dealt a major blow ahead of their home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2025 due to an elbow fracture. In a move sure to excite fans, MS Dhoni is set to return as captain for the rest of the season.
Head Coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the news on Thursday during a press interaction.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL with fracture on elbow. MS Dhoni to take over as captain,” Fleming told mediapersons on Thursday.
“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 added.
Dhoni, who has led CSK in a record 235 matches, is synonymous with the franchise’s success. Under his leadership, CSK clinched IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
In 2022, Ravindra Jadeja was named captain, but Dhoni reclaimed the role mid-season following a string of disappointing performances. Ahead of the 2024 season, Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad in what was seen as a transitional move.
However, CSK have struggled this year, managing just one win in five matches and currently sit second-last on the points table. They recently suffered their heaviest-ever home defeat in 18 years of IPL history, losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
With Dhoni back at the helm, fans and management alike will hope for a turnaround in fortunes.
