MS Dhoni Returns as Captain for CSK in Ruturaj Gaikwad Absence

MS Dhoni is set to lead the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season after regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out with a hairline fracture in his elbow.

MS Dhoni Returns as Captain for Chennai Super Kings

Former CSK captain MS Dhoni is set to lead the team once again. The five-time IPL-winning captain will take charge once again in Gaikwad absence.

MS Dhoni was retained as an uncapped player for IPL 2025. He is set to return as captain of the Chennai Super Kings for the remainder of the season. With this, Dhoni will become the first uncapped player to lead an IPL team in the IPL history.

CSK currently sits 9th on the points table with just 1 win and 4 losses in 5 matches, including four consecutive defeats. With MS Dhoni back as captain, the team will be hoping for a turnaround as he looks to change their fortunes in the remainder of the season.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Injury

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a blow to his right forearm during CSK’s last match against the Rajasthan Royals. The injury occurred when he was struck by a fierce bouncer from former CSK pacer Tushar Deshpande.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out the IPL due to a fracture on his elbow. MS Dhoni will be the captain in the remaining games,” CSK head coach Fleming told reporters.

“We are disappointed and feel for him. We appreciate the efforts that he has made in terms of trying to play, but unfortunately, he will be out of the tournament,” – Fleming.

MS Dhoni IPL Captaincy Record

MS Dhoni has captained in 226 matches, with 133 wins and 91 losses, giving him a win percentage of 58.84%. Under his leadership, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have claimed five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, along with two Champions League trophies. Dhoni has also led CSK to five runners-up finishes, making him the only captain to reach the IPL Final ten times.

• Dhoni holds the record for captaining in most matches in the IPL.
• Dhoni holds the record for most wins as IPL captain (133).

CSK’s Mid-Season Captaincy Change: A Familiar Scenario

MS Dhoni returning as CSK captain in the middle of a season is not a first. This situation mirrors developments from IPL 2022, when Ravindra Jadeja was stripped of the captaincy after CSK made a poor start, losing nearly all of their matches in the first half of the league stage.

Who Can Replace Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2025?

1. Ayush Mhatre
Ayush Mhatre, a 17-year-old right-handed batsman from Mumbai, made his domestic debut in the Irani Trophy last October. Chennai Super Kings invited the teenage sensation for a mid-season trial. According to CSK Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan, Mhatre is a likely candidate to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad.

2. Prithvi Shaw
CSK is looking for a player who can score quick runs at the top of the order, especially during the powerplay. Prithvi Shaw, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, could be an ideal replacement for Gaikwad given his aggressive batting style.