MS Dhoni becomes CSK captain again as inured Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL 2025

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will once again captain Chennai Super Kings as Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out for the remainder of IPL 2025. Top-order batter Gaikwad suffered an elbow fracture, forcing the veteran wicketkeeper to take up the responsibility once again. 

CSK Head Coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the development on Thursday, ahead of the former champions' home game against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday.

According to reports, Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury was confirmed serious in detailed scans although the 28-year-old was expected to return after a brief period. He was struck on the elbow by Rajasthan Royals pacer Tushar Deshpande on March 30. Gaikwad played for CSK in the next two games, against Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, scans have now confirmed a fracture, reports said.

"Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025 due to a hairline fracture of the elbow. MS Dhoni will take over as the skipper. Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to heal in four to six weeks. Chennai Super Kings wishes Ruturaj Gaikwad a speedy recovery," the five-times champions said on their official website.

MS Dhoni, the most iconic player in the franchise's history, led CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League trophies. "Thala" has played 256 IPL matches to date, scoring 5,141 runs at an average of 39.24.

He remained Chennai's captain for 14 seasons since the start of the IPL in 2008, barring the period between 2016 and 2017 when the team was suspended. It was last year that MSD handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad.

Chennai Super Kings have had a poor start to the season to sit ninth out of 10 teams after losing four of their first five matches.