MS Dhoni returns as captain of Chennai Super Kings after Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL 2025 season due to injury

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have re-appointed MS Dhoni as the captain for the rest of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The move comes after Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the season owing to the elbow injury he suffered. It was speculated that Gaikwad could miss the home game against Delhi Capitals and Dhoni could return as the captain of the side. 

The 28-year-old had been injured during the game against Rajasthan Royals when he was hit on his elbow while batting. Gaikwad then played against Delhi and Punjab before being ruled out of the season. CSK are ninth in the table, having lost their last four encounters.

Chennai Super Kings will take on Kolkata Knight Riders next at home on Friday. It is a huge encounter for the home team as they seek to start their third term with MS Dhoni on a winning note. So far, Chennai have won just once as they beat Mumbai Indians in their first game of the season at home. 

Can MS Dhoni halt Chennai’s woeful run of form?

After beating Mumbai Indians, the five-time IPL winners have lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings in their last game. The first task for Dhoni will not be easy as his side will be up against a KKR side who themselves are coming into the game on the back of a loss. 

CSK coach Stephen Fleming, while speaking to the media ahead of the game on Friday, said, “He got hit in Guwahati. He's been operating with an amount of pain. We got an X-ray, which was inconclusive, and we had an MRI, which revealed a fracture in his elbow, in the radial neck." 

Fleming also added, “So we're disappointed and feel for him. We appreciate the efforts that he's gone to in terms of trying to play, but unfortunately, he'd be out of the tournament from now. We have an uncapped player, MS Dhoni, who will take over as captain for the remainder of the IPL."