Head coach Stephen Fleming stated on Thursday experienced wicketkeeper MS Dhoni has been named Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
The development followed the ruling out of CSK skipper Raturaj Gaikwad from the remaining campaign for an elbow fracture. He suffered the damage facing Tushar Deshpande during CSK’s March 30 game against Rajasthan Royals. Though he played in the next games against Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, scans have since revealed a fracture.
“Unfortunately, Ruturaj Gaikwad is going to be ruled out of the tournament,” Fleming stated. “He suffered a hit in Guwahati. He has been working with some discomfort. We’re unhappy and feel for him since we obtained an X-ray that came back inconclusive and an MRI that showed an elbow fracture.
“We value his efforts in attempting to play, but sadly he will be absent from this event for now. For the rest of the IPL, MS Dhoni has an uncapped player who will replace skipper.”
Fleming revealed that, knowing the squad was in need, the seasoned wicketkeeper batter—who had held CSK’s captaincy for most of the franchise’s existence—had no qualms about taking on the post.
“He understands that the team is in need at the moment,” said Flemming on Dhoni consenting to return as captain.
“There was Rutu, who declined travel. He therefore had no second thought about getting up to assist us out of situation, if only able. That was therefore never a doubt.
Regarding Gaikwad’s replacement, head coach Fleming said they will look from inside the group first but did not rule out the “opportunity” of improving their team.
” replacements; we will review here. We’ll look from within first; we have some excellent players in the squad who have been with us a long. Indeed, there is a chance to examine how we may improve the squad most likely going forward into next years.”
For the uninitiated, MS Dhoni has guided CSK in 235 of their 268 games, helping them to win two Champions League T20 championships and five IPL medals.
Under his direction, the CSK qualified for 10 IPL finals—four in a row from 2010 to 2013—and missed the Top Four just twice.
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