The injury is a significant setback for the five-time champions, who have lost four out of their initial five matches this season and will now be missing their captain and crucial batsman
Our Bureau
Chennai
MS Dhoni is set to lead the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season following Ruturaj Gaikwad’s exclusion due to an injury. Stephen Fleming, CSK Coach, said, “Due to injury, Rituraj Gaikwad is out of the IPL tournament, and Dhoni will take over as captain for the rest of the game,” Stephen Fleming said in the pre-match press conference.
Chennai Super Kings have encountered a significant setback before their upcoming match in the IPL 2025. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined from the league due to an elbow injury. During his absence, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter will again assume the team leader role. This highlights his comeback as captain for the first time since he led the team to victory in the final of the IPL 2023 against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Fleming announced that Dhoni, an uncapped player, will be the team’s new captain for the rest of the IPL season. Dhoni readily agreed to take on the leadership role and help guide the team.
“We have an uncapped player, MS Dhoni, who will take over as captain for the remainder of the IPL. Dhoni had no hesitation to step up and help guide us out of this if we can,” Stephen Fleming said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Dhoni possesses an impressive record as an IPL captain. He has guided CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) to 133 victories out of 226 games, achieving a win percentage of 58. 84, and he has steered CSK to five IPL championships in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
He is also the sixth-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history, with 5,346 runs at an average of 39.31 and a strike rate of over 137, with 24 fifties and a best score of 84. In IPL 2025, Dhoni has made 103 runs in five innings at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate of over 153.73; his best score is 30.
CSK is placed in the ninth position. This injury is a significant setback for the five-time champions, who have lost four out of their initial five matches this season and will now be missing their captain and crucial batsman in the top order.
Recently, Dhoni added another achievement to his name in the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings in Mullanpur. Dhoni became the first wicket-keeper to accomplish 150 catches in the IPL. He achieved this milestone after catching Nehal Wadhera during the Punjab Kings’ innings.
In the 8th over of the PBKS innings, Wadhera mishit a shot off R Ashwin, and Dhoni made a straightforward catch. Dinesh Karthik ranks second on the list with 137 catches to his credit.
Dhoni has produced several stunning stumpings and catches throughout the IPL. His quick work behind the stumps during tight moments has been key to CSK’s success, he has 45 stumpings to his name.
Against PBKS, Dhoni walked to the crease at No. 5 with 25 balls remaining in the chase and 69 runs still required. Dhoni once again faced the challenge of rescuing a nearly impossible scenario. The 43-year-old seemed to rewind time with an explosive 27 off merely 12 balls, hitting three sixes and a four. He got out on the first ball of the 20th over, hitting down the leg full toss straight to Chahal.
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa shared his insights on MS Dhoni’s innings against Punjab Kings (PBKS), suggesting that he is still actively involved in CSK’s plans, even though he may not be playing as much.
While speaking on Jio Hotstar, Uthappa said that Dhoni is passing on the responsibility to younger players, preparing them for the future and ensuring CSK remains a competitive team. While Uthappa acknowledged that Dhoni’s batting skills are still valuable, he believed that the team focuses on building a strong foundation for future success.
“I don’t think there was ever a lack of intent from MS Dhoni. Even outside the TATA IPL, I believe he has passed on responsibility to others and given them a clear understanding of what to expect in the coming years as CSK rebuilds into a championship-contending side. That transition is happening, and while we would love to see MS bat the way he is right now, perhaps a little higher up the order, I don’t think the problem lies at the end.” Jio Star expert Robin Uthappa said while speaking on Match Centre Live on JioHotstar.
