MS Dhoni set to lead Chennai Super Kings again as their regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to an elbow injury. Notably, MS Dhoni guided CSK to record-equalling five titles before handing over the captaincy duties to Ravindra Jadeja in 2022. The all-rounder had stepped down from the role midway after the team's poor performances so the franchise handed over the captaincy to MS Dhoni. Dhoni again stepped down from the captaincy ahead of the 17th season of the cash-rich league and franchise-appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as his successor to lead the side but the 43-year-old will have to captain CSK again this season.
The former India and RCB star Murali Kartik believes that CSK tried to nourish Jadeja, but it didn't work. The five-time champions go back to Dhoni because he is a big name.
"They (CSK) tried to nourish Ravindra Jadeja for a year but that didn't work. The script came back to MS Dhoni. God writes different script for him. This time as well, CSK have to go back to Dhoni because he is a big name," said Murali Kartik on Cricbuzz.
Notably, Gaikwad averaged 42.14 and 53 with the bat in IPL 2023 and 2024, respectively.
"CSK have lost their main batter, leave captaincy aside," Kartik added.
MS Dhoni last captained CSK in the IPL 2023 final against the Gujarat Titans (GT), where CSK won their last IPL title. MS Dhoni will now be seen leading CSK again in IPL 2025.
CSK's performance in IPL 2025
CSK failed to perform in the IPL 2025; the five-time champions were off to a good start, defeating arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) in their tournament opener, but the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side failed to carry the momentum as they are still looking for their second win of the season. CSK are currently ninth in the points table tally after losing four out of five matches. CSK will now face Kolkata Knight Riders for their sixth clash of the marquee event scheduled to take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, MS Dhoni will be seen leading the side against defending champions.