In a stunning twist mid-season, MS Dhoni is back as Chennai Super Kings’ captain for IPL 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury blow. With CSK struggling at the bottom of the table, fans are hoping for a miracle only Thala can deliver. Can the legend once again rescue Chennai and script another iconic comeback? Let’s dive into the full story.
MS Dhoni Returns as CSK Captain for the Remainder of IPL 2025
In a major development for Chennai Super Kings and IPL fans worldwide, MS Dhoni is back as captain of CSK for the rest of the IPL 2025 season. The decision comes after Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered a fractured elbow, ruling him out of the tournament.
The announcement was made by CSK head coach Stephen Fleming just a day before their crucial home match against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 11.
"We’re disappointed and feel for him... He’s been operating in pain, and MRI revealed a fracture," - said Stephen Fleming.
With CSK losing four of their first five matches, Gaikwad’s absence adds to their early-season struggles. The team currently sits ninth on the points table with just 2 points.
Dhoni Steps Up Again: A Familiar Rescue Mission
With Gaikwad ruled out, CSK has turned to their most trusted leader—Mahendra Singh Dhoni. At 43, Dhoni is once again taking charge of a team in need, reminiscent of IPL 2022, when he took over from Ravindra Jadeja mid-season after a string of poor performances.
“He understands the team needs him right now. He had no hesitation stepping up,” - said Fleming.
Dhoni had handed the captaincy to Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024 after leading CSK to their fifth IPL title in 2023. Now, with Gaikwad sidelined, Dhoni returns to the role he’s held for over a decade—with 235 matches as CSK captain, five IPL trophies, and two Champions League titles to his name.
A Turnaround Like 2022 on the Cards?
This isn’t the first time CSK has relied on Dhoni to turn things around mid-season. In 2022, after a rocky start under Jadeja’s captaincy, Dhoni took over and helped stabilize the team. The following year, CSK bounced back under his leadership and won the IPL title.
Now in IPL 2025, CSK fans are once again pinning their hopes on “Thala” to rescue the season. With four consecutive losses, the team is desperately seeking a shift in momentum—and no one knows how to inspire comebacks like MS Dhoni.
Replacing Gaikwad: What’s Next for CSK?
While Dhoni’s return provides a morale boost, the team still needs to fill the massive void left by Gaikwad. Fleming hinted at looking within the squad before exploring outside options.
“We have some good players who've been with us for a while. We'll assess our options moving forward,” - said Fleming.
Possible internal replacements may include Shivam Dube, Sameer Rizvi, or Shaik Rasheed, but a seasoned top-order batter could also be scouted from the available pool.
Dhoni’s Return Ends Retirement Rumors
MS Dhoni’s return as captain not only reshapes CSK’s leadership but also puts an end to retirement speculations that had been swirling since IPL 2024. Many believed this could be Dhoni’s final IPL appearance, possibly ending mid-season. However, with his return to captaincy, those rumors are firmly shut down—at least for now.
Final Thoughts: Can Dhoni Work His Magic Again?
CSK’s IPL 2025 campaign is on the edge, and Dhoni’s return comes at a crucial juncture. Known for his calm leadership, sharp instincts, and ability to get the best out of every player, Dhoni will now aim to replicate the magic of past seasons.
Whether this marks a fairytale comeback for CSK or a final hurrah for Dhoni, one thing’s certain—IPL 2025 just got a whole lot more exciting.