Dhoni back as CSK captain

After Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament due to a hairline fracture in his elbow, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reinstated the legendary MS Dhoni as captain in a dramatic mid-season twist during IPL 2025. This marks yet another chapter in the storied legacy of Dhoni and CSK — a relationship built on trust, trophies, and tenacity.

The Injury That Shook CSK

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had taken over the captaincy from MS Dhoni at the beginning of the season, was seen as the torchbearer for CSK's next era. His calm demeanor, sharp cricketing mind, and consistency with the bat made him a natural successor to Dhoni. However, during a match against Rajasthan Royals, Gaikwad sustained a painful blow to his elbow while playing a fighting knock of 63 runs.

Despite the injury, he played two more games, one against the Delhi Capitals and the other against the Punjab Kings. Despite the persistent pain, medical evaluations revealed a hairline fracture. CSK’s medical team announced that Gaikwad would miss the rest of the season to avoid aggravating the injury.

Thala is Back into the action

Thala's Reappearance With Gaikwad sidelined, CSK had a critical decision to make — appoint a new captain to salvage what has been a rocky campaign so far. In what many fans see as a divine twist, MS Dhoni has been handed the reins once again. Dhoni, who is 43 years old, may be nearing the end of his playing career, but his leadership abilities remain unparalleled. This move has ignited a wave of excitement among CSK fans and cricket enthusiasts around the globe. As "Thala" returned to lead the franchise that he had made into a dynasty, tributes, flashbacks, and celebrations flooded social media. Season of Roller Coasters for CSK The 2025 season hasn’t been kind to CSK. The team is currently languishing near the bottom of the points table after losing four of their first five games. The team has struggled to find a rhythm, despite some individual brilliance, such as cameos from Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and Moeen Ali. Gaikwad, as captain, tried to steady the ship, and while his batting remained solid, CSK lacked the spark that often defines their campaigns. Many believe that Dhoni’s calm decision-making and ability to extract performances from unexpected corners of the squad could be the key to turning things around.

One of The Great Captain

Unlike any other captain MS Dhoni isn’t just a cricketer; he’s an emotion for millions. CSK is one of the most enduring franchises in IPL history and has won five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023) under his captaincy. His ability to manage egos, read match situations, and back young talent is what has made him one of the greatest leaders in cricket history.

In order to ensure a smooth transition for the franchise, Dhoni had voluntarily resigned from his position as captain in 2024 and assigned the position to Gaikwad. It was regarded as an achievement in succession planning. But as fate would have it, CSK once again finds itself leaning on its trusted warhorse.

Earlier in 2022

Evoking 2022 This isn’t the first time CSK has had to reinstate Dhoni mid-season. In 2022, Ravindra Jadeja began the season as captain but stepped down midway after a string of poor performances. Dhoni came back to lead the team and brought stability. Even though that season did not result in a trophy, it demonstrated that Dhoni is CSK's natural leader when the team is in trouble. His presence on the field is calming, almost magnetic, often resulting in sharper fielding, improved bowling strategies, and better execution under pressure.

Next Road to Go

The Way Forward Dhoni’s first match back as captain will be against Kolkata Knight Riders — a crucial encounter that could either reignite CSK’s playoff hopes or further dim their chances. With seven games remaining, CSK will need a near-perfect run to qualify for the playoffs.

Dhoni faces two challenges: he must rally a team that is somewhat demoralized and manage his own physical fitness, especially given reports that he played with knee pain. Yet, if history has shown us anything, it is to never count out a Dhoni-led side.

He has a knack for making bold decisions — promoting lesser-known players, surprising opponents with bowling changes, and winning games from impossible situations. With players like Dube, Jadeja, Moeen, and Rachin Ravindra in the mix, Dhoni still has the arsenal to mount a comeback.

Fan's Enjoyment and Franchise Reboost

Fans Celebrate, and the Franchise Reboots The decision to bring back Dhoni as captain isn’t just a tactical move; it’s an emotional reboot for the franchise and its fan base. CSK’s loyal supporters, famously known as the "Yellow Army," see Dhoni as the soul of the team. He returns with renewed faith—not just in wins and points but also in the CSK spirit. Tickets are in high demand, merchandise sales have already increased, and yellow jerseys and chants of "Dhoni, Dhoni" are expected to fill stadiums to the rafters. Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

As MS Dhoni walks out to lead CSK once again, the cricket world watches with bated breath. It may be a short-term stint forced by injury, but it could very well become the spark that lights CSK’s resurgence in IPL 2025.

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: MS Dhoni's legacy continues to expand, demonstrating once more that legends never truly die; rather, they simply wait for the right time to rise again.