In a dramatic twist to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, MS Dhoni is set to return as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) following the unfortunate injury of Ruturaj Gaikwad. The news has sent waves of excitement through the cricketing community, as fans eagerly anticipate Dhoni's leadership once again on the field. Gaikwad, who has been a standout performer for CSK, will be sidelined for the remainder of the tournament due to a fracture in his left elbow, as confirmed by CSK head coach Stephen Fleming.
Fleming announced in a pre-match press conference that Gaikwad's injury has paved the way for Dhoni to step back into the captaincy role, marking his return to leadership for the first time since he led CSK to victory in the IPL 2023 final against the Gujarat Titans. "Due to injury, Ruturaj Gaikwad is out of the IPL tournament, and Dhoni will take over as captain for the rest of the game," Fleming stated. This change comes at a crucial time for CSK, who currently sit in ninth place on the points table after losing four out of their initial five matches this season.
Dhoni's return as captain has ignited a frenzy on social media, with fans expressing their joy and anticipation for his leadership. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter has an impressive track record as an IPL captain, having guided CSK and the Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) to a remarkable 133 victories out of 226 games, achieving a win percentage of 58.84. Under his guidance, CSK has clinched five IPL championships in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. His experience and tactical acumen are expected to provide the much-needed inspiration for the team as they aim to turn their season around.
In the current IPL 2025 season, Dhoni has shown flashes of his vintage form, scoring 103 runs in five innings at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate exceeding 153.73, with a best score of 30. Despite his individual performance, the team has struggled, and Gaikwad's absence will be felt heavily as he has been a key player, being the leading run-scorer for CSK in three of the last four seasons.
As CSK prepares to face the defending champions, the Kolkata Knight Riders, on April 11, 2025, the stakes are high. Dhoni's return to captaincy is not just a nostalgic moment for fans but a critical juncture for the team's aspirations this season. Ambati Rayudu, a veteran player in the squad, expressed his mixed feelings about Gaikwad's injury but also highlighted the excitement surrounding Dhoni's leadership. "First of all, it's very sad that Ruturaj, the captain of CSK has been ruled out of the IPL. But all the fans will definitely be extremely excited to see MS Dhoni lead CSK again. He can always pull out his magic and make CSK qualify from here. It will be one great story. So, I am very, very excited and I just hope that he weaves his magic all over the CSK team," Rayudu said in a video shared by ESPNcricinfo.
Dhoni's legacy in the IPL is unparalleled. He has led CSK to the final ten times, a record he shares with Rohit Sharma, and has also secured two Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014. His strategic mind and calm demeanor under pressure have earned him the reputation as one of the greatest captains in cricket history. As CSK faces the challenge of overcoming their current form, Dhoni's presence is expected to galvanize the players and fans alike.
The upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders will be a litmus test for CSK as they look to bounce back from their poor start. With Dhoni at the helm, there is a renewed sense of hope among the supporters. The players will undoubtedly look to him for guidance and motivation, as the team aims to navigate through the season's challenges and secure a spot in the playoffs.
In conclusion, while the injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad is a significant setback for CSK, the return of MS Dhoni as captain could mark a turning point in their IPL 2025 campaign. The cricketing world will be watching closely as Dhoni takes the reins once again, hoping to lead CSK to glory and prove that age is just a number when it comes to the game of cricket.
