A 43-year-old MS Dhoni, who has faced criticism for his late batting appearances in IPL 2025, readily accepted the role of captain for the Chennai Super Kings after it was confirmed that regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad would be sidelined for the remainder of the tournament due to an elbow fracture. On April 10, CSK officially announced Dhoni's return to the captaincy for the first time since the 2023 final.

"Dhoni was eager to step up and help us navigate through this situation," stated CSK head coach Stephen Fleming during a pre-match press conference in Chennai ahead of their crucial home game against the Kolkata Knight Riders. "There was never any doubt about his willingness."

Following a new BCCI regulation that classifies players who have been retired from international cricket for five years or more as uncapped, Dhoni is now listed as an uncapped player. He has previously led CSK to five IPL championships in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, as well as two Champions League titles.

The most recent IPL title for CSK was secured under Dhoni's leadership in 2023. This marks the second instance in three seasons where Dhoni has returned as captain mid-tournament; in 2022, he took over from Ravindra Jadeja after a poor start to the season, with Jadeja unable to continue due to injury.

This year, CSK has struggled, losing four out of their five matches and currently sitting in ninth place in the ten-team league.

Ruturaj Gaikwad played two games with a fracture

Fleming stated that Gaikwad endured significant pain during the last two matches and made every effort to recover his fitness. However, an MRI scan revealed a fracture in his elbow after he was struck by a bouncer from Tushar Deshpande during CSK's league match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30. Although he participated in the subsequent games against Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings due to inconclusive X-ray results, the MRI ultimately confirmed the fracture.

"He [Gaikwad] sustained the injury in Guwahati and has been playing through considerable discomfort," Fleming remarked. "The initial X-ray did not provide clear results, but the MRI showed a fracture in the radial neck of his elbow.

"We are disappointed and sympathize with him. We recognize the determination he has shown in trying to play, but regrettably, he will be sidelined for the remainder of the tournament. MS Dhoni, an uncapped player, will step in as captain for the rest of the IPL."

The former New Zealand captain indicated that CSK would seek replacements for Gaikwad, who was the team's second-highest run-scorer with 122 runs at a strike rate of 150.61.

"We will explore potential replacements. We have several capable players in the squad who have been with us for some time, so we will first consider internal options. However, there is also an opportunity to enhance the squad as we look ahead to future seasons."

Read Also: Ruturaj Gaikwad's Reaction to Dhoni's Captaincy Return

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!