MS Dhoni Back as CSK Captain

For Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, there’s one bad piece of news and one good piece of news. The bad news is that Ruturaj Gaikwad is out of the IPL due to an elbow injury. But the biggest and most exciting news is that MS Dhoni has returned as the CSK captain. The CSK fans and particularly MS Dhoni fans are excited after the news broke out in public. MS Dhoni has been a key figure in the CSK franchise over the years. He has led CSK to five IPL titles since 2008. In the IPL 2025, he is playing as an uncapped player, having played his last international game in 2019.

MS Dhoni will lead CSK again for the remainder of the IPL 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the season due to an elbow injury. Gaikwad took a blow in Guwahati, as confirmed by current CSK coach Stephen Fleming. Although Ruturaj Gaikwad played two games after he got hit in Guwahati, he was feeling the pain.

Fleming said the X-rays were inconclusive, but the MRI scans showed a fracture in Gaikwad’s elbow. He said Gaikwad will be out of the IPL 2025.

Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2025 means MS Dhoni is back as CSK captain. Gaikwad became the CSK captain last season (IPL 2024) after MS Dhoni decided to relinquish the role on the eve of the season opener in 2024. Now, we will again see MS Dhoni as CSK captain for the rest of IPL 2025.

Dhoni Previously Stepped Down From Role and Then Returned Again

It is not the first time that MS Dhoni has returned as CSK captain. He stepped down from the captaincy role before the start of the IPL 2022 edition. Ravindra Jadeja became the CSK captain in the 2022 season, but Dhoni came back to lead in the middle of the tournament after a poor show from the team. Now, again MS Dhoni becomes CSK captain in the middle of the tournament after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury blow.

ALSO READ: Should MS Dhoni Retire Now?

What Did Stephen Fleming Said on MSD Back as Captain?

Current CSK coach, Stephen Fleming talks about MS Dhoni becoming CSK captain again. He said understands the team is in need. Fleming also said Rutu did not want to leave the team but it is unfortunate to lose him. In Gaikwad’s absence, an ‘uncapped player’ MS Dhoni will lead the side.

MS Dhoni Record as CSK Captain

MS Dhoni has an outstanding record in the captaincy. He has led Chennai Super Kings in 235 games out of 268 matches the team has played, as of April 10, 2025. As captain, MSD has won 142 games and lost 90, with one tied game and two ended in no result. He has a win percentage of 60.42, as of now.

In Dhoni’s leadership, Chennai Super Kings has won five IPL titles: in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. CSK has reached the final of the IPL 10 times. The franchise has also featured in the top 4 in all the IPL seasons except 2020 and 2022.

In IPL 2024, under Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK finished at No. 5 in the points table with 7 wins in 14 games. You can see the IPL 2024 points table HERE

CSK Did Not Have a Great Start in IPL 2025

As of now, CSK has played 5 games in the IPL 2025 and won just one. Their only one came again Mumbai Indians (MI) in Chennai. CSK has one positive to take, Noor Ahmed (CSK bowler) is the highest wicket-taker in the tournament as of now. He has taken 11 wickets in 5 games at an average of 13.64. Khaleel Ahmed is also bowling well at the moment.

ALSO READ: Why Is MS Dhoni Not Retiring? MS Dhoni Speaks

Will MS Dhoni Change CSK’s Fortune?

MS Dhoni is vastly experienced. He has the game sense and knows when to use all the resources. The former India captain has done it in the past and will look to do it again this season. CSK will also hope that the Dhoni magic will come good. All-and-all, his fans are happy to see him back as CSK captain.

As far as the team’s balance is concerned, their batting has been misfiring. Even MS Dhoni himself has not been able to finish games in whatever little opportunity he got in this season. Also, they lacked a fast bowling unit that is in-form. Their spinners are doing well, and it could be their strength going forward, especially in home games.

Is There Any Replacement Announced For Ruturaj Gaikwad?

No. As of now, the franchise has not announced any replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad. CSK’s current head coach Stephen Fleming said the team will look for a replacement from the squad first.

CONCLUSION

So this is the biggest news coming in from the CSK’s camp. The fans are excited to see him back again at the toss. CSK fans, this time the decibel level should be higher than expected when Dhoni comes out for a toss.

What do you think? Is this a good decision by the franchise to go again to MSD? Or someone else should be the captain of CSK in Ruturaj’s absence. Comment your opinion below. Also, give your prediction on CSK for this season below.

Thank you for reading the article. We hope you find it informative. Keep following sportschilly.com for the latest news, updates, analysis, stories, previews, reviews, insights, opinions, and more.

FAQs:-

How many players have captained CSK?

As of April 10, 2025, four players have captained CSK. Those four players are MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.

How many Champions League T20 Trophy CSK has won?

CSK won two Champions League T20 Trophy, both under MS Dhoni’s leadership. They won the title in 2010 and 2014.

What is the head-to-head between CSK and MI in IPL?

As of April 10, 2025, CSK and MI have played 38 games against each other. MI is slightly ahead at the moment with 20 wins. CSK has won 18 games so far.

MS Dhoni Back as CSK Captain