In a surprising development that has both fans and analysts buzzing, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have announced that their star opener, Ruturaj Gaikwad, will miss the remainder of the IPL 2025 season due to an elbow fracture. Stepping into the leadership void, MS Dhoni, a cricketing legend and former CSK captain, will resume his command over the team for the rest of the tournament.
Head Coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the unfortunate news on Thursday, just a day before CSK’s crucial home encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders. ‘Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the IPL with a fractured elbow. MS Dhoni will take over as captain for the remainder of the season,’ Fleming stated during a press conference.
Discussing potential replacements for Gaikwad, Fleming added, ‘We have a few options within the squad, but we haven’t zeroed in on anyone yet. MS was ready to step up. He understood the context and was prepared to lead again.’
Dhoni’s legacy with CSK is unparalleled, having captained the team in a record 235 matches and leading them to five IPL title victories in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. The 2022 IPL season saw a brief stint with Ravindra Jadeja at the helm, though Dhoni retook the captaincy mid-season amid a series of disappointing results.
Before the 2024 season commenced, Dhoni had handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad, hoping to groom a new leader. However, with CSK currently positioned second-last on the points table, having won only one out of their first five matches, the team’s morale and performance are under significant scrutiny. The team also faced their most substantial home defeat in 18 years of the IPL against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, highlighting the challenges ahead.
As CSK looks to turn their season around, all eyes will be on Dhoni to see if his leadership can reignite the team’s fortunes in the ongoing IPL 2025.