IPL 2025: Dhoni Returns as CSK Captain After Gaikwad's Injury
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Synopsis
Chennai Super Kings will see Mahendra Singh Dhoni resume his captaincy in IPL 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad is ruled out with an elbow fracture. Coach Stephen Fleming confirms Dhoni's leadership role ahead of a crucial match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Key Takeaways
- Dhoni resumes captaincy for CSK.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad out for the season due to injury.
- CSK struggles at second-to-last in points table.
- Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles.
- Stephen Fleming confirms leadership change.
Chennai, April 10 (NationPress) Mahendra Singh Dhoni is poised to take the helm of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) once again in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, following the unfortunate news that regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an elbow fracture.
Gaikwad, who had been leading CSK this season, suffered an injury to his right forearm during a match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. Subsequent scans confirmed the elbow fracture, effectively ending his campaign.
CSK's head coach Stephen Fleming announced the leadership change ahead of a crucial match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday.
“We have a few options for replacements within the squad, but we haven’t finalized anyone yet. Dhoni was prepared to step in. He was aware of the situation,” Fleming stated in a pre-match press conference.
This match will mark Dhoni’s return as captain since the IPL 2023 final in Ahmedabad, a memorable event where Ravindra Jadeja clinched victory for CSK by hitting a six and a four on the final two balls, securing the team’s fifth IPL title. After handing over captaincy to Gaikwad at the season's beginning, Dhoni had taken a backseat in leadership while remaining influential both on and off the field.
Dhoni has an impressive record, having captained CSK in a remarkable 235 matches, leading the team to all five title victories. Although he stepped down in 2022, the team's poor performance led to his return to the leadership role midway through that season.
Currently, Chennai Super Kings find themselves at the second-to-last position in the points table, having won just one out of five matches. They recently faced their largest home defeat in the 18-year history of the IPL against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
