With Gaikwad out of IPL 2025 due to injury, Thala is back to lead Chennai Super Kings once again as they try to salvage their struggling campaign.
April 10, 2025: 🏏 MS Dhoni Is Back as CSK Captain After Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Injury Exit in IPL 2025
The “Thala” has returned. In a move that has reignited the hopes of CSK fans, MS Dhoni has officially taken back the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the IPL 2025 season due to a fractured elbow.
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Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the news on Thursday, stating, “Ruturaj Gaikwad has a fracture on his elbow. We feel for him. He tried to play through the pain but unfortunately, he’s out of the tournament.”
🚑 What Happened to Gaikwad?
The CSK skipper sustained a hairline fracture on March 30 during the clash against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. Despite the injury, he featured in two more games, raising eyebrows about the team’s communication on his fitness. CSK eventually clarified that Gaikwad’s condition worsened, forcing him to exit the tournament.
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He had been in decent form with the bat, scoring two fifties in five games while batting at No.3.
🦁 Dhoni Returns — Déjà Vu from 2022?
Dhoni’s return to captaincy midway through a season isn’t new. In IPL 2022, Ravindra Jadeja was replaced by Dhoni after a disastrous start. Now, CSK — sitting at No.9 on the points table with four consecutive losses — once again turns to their most iconic leader.
With five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) and two Champions League trophies under his belt, MS Dhoni’s return could be just the spark the Super Kings need.
🔥 Fan Buzz & What’s Next
CSK fans erupted online with “Thala is back” chants trending across platforms. With a critical match against Kolkata Knight Riders up next, all eyes will be on Dhoni as he attempts another miracle comeback for the Yellow Army.
Will this mid-season twist revive CSK’s 2025 campaign?
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MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2025, CSK captaincy, IPL injuries, Stephen Fleming, IPL news, Thala Dhoni, CSK vs KKR