MS Dhoni Returns as CSK Captain After Gaikwad Injury
MS Dhoni takes over as CSK captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury forces him out of IPL 2025. What this means for CSK.
MS Dhoni Steps Back In as CSK Captain After Gaikwad Injury Blow
In a dramatic twist to the Chennai Super Kings’ 2025 campaign, veteran leader MS Dhoni is once again at the helm. The move follows an unfortunate elbow fracture to Ruturaj Gaikwad, ruling the young skipper out of the remaining IPL season—a setback that CSK can hardly afford.
CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the development just 24 hours before their crucial face-off against Kolkata Knight Riders. The announcement not only reshuffles the team’s leadership but also reignites hope among fans who’ve long associated Dhoni’s calm leadership with CSK’s most glorious seasons.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Injury Leaves a Leadership Void
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was handed the captaincy ahead of IPL 2024, has been steadily growing into the role. His tactical acumen and composed demeanor were seen as key to CSK’s transition era, especially following Dhoni’s gradual step back from leadership responsibilities. But fate had other plans.
Gaikwad suffered a fracture to his elbow, cutting his season short. While further details about his recovery timeline remain unclear, the injury is serious enough to sideline him for the rest of IPL 2025.
“Ruturaj is out with an elbow fracture. It’s disappointing, but we’ll regroup,” said Fleming in a pre-match press briefing.
The Captain Returns: Dhoni’s Legacy in Focus
With no official deputy in place and the team struggling near the bottom of the table, the decision to reappoint Dhoni as captain was both strategic and symbolic. According to Fleming, Dhoni didn’t hesitate when the leadership reins were offered.
“Dhoni was ready. He knew what the team needed,” Fleming said.
Dhoni’s record with CSK is the stuff of legend—five IPL titles, 235 matches as captain, and a legacy that has defined the franchise’s culture. His leadership saw triumphs in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Even when Ravindra Jadeja briefly took over in 2022, Dhoni had to step back in mid-season due to a spate of losses. Now, in what may be his final playing season, Dhoni returns once again, not just as a player but as a steadying force.
Can Dhoni Turn Around CSK’s Floundering Season?
Currently, CSK finds itself at the penultimate position on the IPL 2025 points table—an unfamiliar territory for the once-dominant franchise. With just one win in five matches, the team is facing its worst start in years. The low point came during their crushing defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru—a record-setting home loss that highlighted deep flaws in both bowling strategy and middle-order batting.
Dhoni’s return to leadership could not have come at a more critical juncture. His presence brings not only tactical brilliance but also a psychological boost. Players who’ve thrived under his mentorship may now rediscover their rhythm, while younger talents could benefit from his experience.
While CSK’s fanbase remains hopeful, the team has its work cut out. The fixture list ahead includes tough matchups, and turning the tide will require more than just nostalgia.
The Bigger Picture: Transition, Turmoil, and the Dhoni Factor
The ongoing IPL season was meant to be a test of CSK’s next generation—a time to see if the franchise could evolve beyond the Dhoni era. Gaikwad’s elevation was symbolic of this shift. But with his sudden injury, the team is once again leaning on the shoulders of its most dependable icon.
For Dhoni, it’s another unexpected chapter in a career already rich with narrative arcs. Whether this marks his last dance or sets the stage for one more playoff push, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely.
Final Thoughts: A Familiar Hero in Unfamiliar Times
MS Dhoni’s return to CSK captaincy is a moment steeped in sentiment—but also necessity. As Chennai Super Kings navigate a rocky IPL 2025 season, their best hope now lies in the steady hands of a man who has delivered when it mattered most.
Whether he can pull off yet another miracle remains to be seen. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that writing off Dhoni too soon has never ended well.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information as of the publishing date. Player availability and match outcomes may change as the IPL 2025 season progresses. The content aims to provide accurate updates and informed analysis but is not affiliated with the IPL, CSK, or any official cricketing body.
source : The Times of India