Thala Is Back: MS Dhoni Returns As CSK Captain After Ruturaj Gaikwad Injury Blow

Due to a fractured elbow, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will miss the rest of the 2025 Indian Premier League season, which is a significant blow for the Chennai Super Kings. With CSK's forthcoming game against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Chepauk on Friday, head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that MS Dhoni will return to the captaincy role.

Ruturaj has been playing through pain after being hit during the Guwahati match. A follow-up MRI showed a fracture in the radial neck of his elbow, but an X-ray showed nothing definitive. Although we're sad for him, we respect his determination to keep going. Sadly, this is where his season ends. During the press conference on Thursday, Fleming stated, "MS Dhoni, who is still very much a part of our squad, will lead us for the rest of the tournament."

During a match against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30, Gaikwad sustained his first injury when a delivery from Tushar Deshpande rose sharply and hit him in the right arm. Gaikwad persevered through the pain and played against the Punjab Kings on Tuesday, despite being doubtful for the match against the Delhi Capitals on April 5. In addition to having an effect on CSK's leadership, his absence severely weakens the team's batting lineup, which probably leads to adjustments to the starting lineup and the mix of foreign players.

The 43-year-old Dhoni last captained CSK in 2023, leading the team to its fifth IPL championship in a two-day, rain-affected final against the Gujarat Titans. At Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, CSK triumphed over the reigning champions under his direction. Dhoni is still the most successful captain in IPL history with a winning percentage of 58.84 from more than 220 games. However, CSK has lost four of their first five games this season, which has been a difficult start.