MS Dhoni Returns as CSK Captain; Gaikwad Breaks Elbow and Sits Out IPL 2025 Campaign
Chennai Super Kings fans have received a real bombshell–MS Dhoni has returned as captain for the rest of IPL 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the season due to an elbow fracture.
This news was shared by Stephen Fleming, CSK Head Coach, on Thursday (April 10) just before their clash at home against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Touched by Gaikwad’s Injury
Gaikwad, 28 years old, was injured while playing against the Rajasthan Royals during a match on March 30 when a delivery by Tushar Deshpande hit him in the elbow. He played the next two matches against Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, despite the pain. An MRI scan has now confirmed the fracture, ruling him out of the tournament.
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) April 10, 2025
MS DHONI RETURNS AS #CSK CAPTAIN
Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of #IPL2025@bhogleharsha reacts, right here pic.twitter.com/T6OJyvybjm
Dhoni To Step Up Again
- CSK, however turns again, but to their most trusted leader, MS Dhoni, who as at 43, will now return to the role he has owned for the most part of the team’s history. Dhoni, before the start of 2024 season, had handed over the baton to Gaikwad, but now once again, he has had to step up during rough times.
- “That didn’t take any time,” said Fleming. “Rutu didn’t want to leave, but Dhoni knows that the team needs him right now. He is always ready whenever the team calls.”
- CSK, meanwhile, languish in the bottom half of the table, having lost four of their first five games and have positioned themselves at the ninth spot in the points table. Gaikwad’s absence adds insult to injury- not only has he usually been a consistent performer, but the last three seasons have also seen him emerge as the top run scorer for CSK.
A Captain Like No Other
Dhoni’s record will go down in history as one of the best in terms of captaincy. He captained the Chennai franchise in 235 of CSK’s 268 matches, winning them an impressive five IPL titles (in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023) and two Champions League T20 trophies. Under his aegis, CSK went through 10 finals, of which four were in quick succession from 2010 to 2013; a feat matched by very few teams.
Dhoni is back on the turf, and fans will look for a miraculous turnaround in fortunes for CSK now. After all, if there is one person such a storm should go through, it is Captain Cool.
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