MS Dhoni To Make Shock Return As CSK Captain After Ruturaj Gaikwad Is Ruled Out Due To...

MS Dhoni is back as Chennai Super Kings captain. He will be the skipper of the five-time champions for the rest of the IPL 2025 after CSK were dealt a severe blow as regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the IPL due to elbow fracture. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the development. "Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL with fracture on elbow. MS Dhoni to take over as captain," Fleming told mediapersons on Thursday. Gaikwad sustained the blow when he was hit by a short ball from Jofra Archer.

Dhoni, who led CSK to five IPL titles, will be back in the leadership role from Friday with a match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai. "Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the season due to a hairline fracture of the elbow. MS Dhoni to lead," the CSK said in an official statement.

Chennai Super Kings have has a torrid start to the IPL 2025. In five matches so far, CSK have lost four and lie at the ninth spot in the 10-team IPL 2025 table. Dhoni will have the humongous task of turning around the season.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the season due to a hairline fracture of the elbow.

MS DHONI TO LEAD.

GET WELL SOON, RUTU ! #WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/U0NsVhKlny

The 43-year-old, under whom CSK won five IPL titles, handed over the leadership to Gaikwad at the beginning of the 2024 season. He said although he discusses things with Gaikwad, he refrains from persuading him to follow his advice.

"Ruturaj has been part of us for quite some time. His temperament is very good, he's very calm, very composed. So those were the reasons we considered him for leadership.

"Before the start of the tournament, I also told him, 'If I give you advice, it doesn't mean you have to follow it. I will try to stay