Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as “Thala” to millions of fans, has once again taken the helm of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as captain for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. At 43, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter is back in the leadership role after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to a hairline fracture in his elbow. Dhoni’s return, announced on April 10, 2025, ahead of CSK’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, has sent waves of excitement across the cricketing world. This is not just a comeback—it’s a moment that reignites hope for CSK’s campaign and showcases Dhoni’s timeless ability to steer his team through turbulent times. Here’s why his return is a game-changer.
In This Article:
A Season of Challenges for CSK
The IPL 2025 season started with promise for CSK, who kicked off with a thrilling win against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians. However, the team hit a rough patch, losing four consecutive matches to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings. Languishing at ninth in the points table with just one win in five games, CSK’s playoff hopes were fading. The team struggled with inconsistent batting, dropped catches, and an underperforming spin attack, putting pressure on their young captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Gaikwad, who took over the captaincy from Dhoni before the 2024 season, showed promise as a leader and batter, scoring two half-centuries in the season. But a painful blow to his elbow during the match against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati changed everything. Despite playing through discomfort in subsequent games, an MRI revealed a fracture, ruling him out for the rest of the tournament. With their captain sidelined, CSK needed a leader who could turn the tide—and there was no better choice than Dhoni.
The Return of Captain Cool
On April 10, 2025, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the news that sent fans into a frenzy: MS Dhoni would take over as captain for the remainder of IPL 2025. “Ruturaj Gaikwad is ruled out of the tournament due to a hairline fracture in his elbow,” Fleming said, adding with a smile, “We have an uncapped player, MS Dhoni, who will take over as captain.” The lighthearted remark about Dhoni’s “uncapped” status—owing to a rule allowing players retired from international cricket for over five years to be retained at a lower cost—did little to hide the magnitude of the moment.
Dhoni’s return to captaincy is a homecoming for CSK. He last led the team in the IPL 2023 final, guiding them to their fifth title in a dramatic last-ball finish against Gujarat Titans. With 133 wins in 226 IPL matches as captain, Dhoni holds the record for the most victories and a win percentage of 58.84%. Under his leadership, CSK won titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, along with two Champions League T20 trophies. His calm demeanor, sharp cricketing mind, and ability to inspire have made him one of the greatest captains in cricket history.
Why Dhoni Was the Obvious Choice
CSK’s decision to turn to Dhoni was not just about his past success—it was about the present need. With Gaikwad out, other potential leaders like Ravindra Jadeja, who struggled as captain in 2022, or Ravichandran Ashwin, whose spot in the XI isn’t guaranteed, didn’t fit the bill. Dhoni, however, brings unmatched experience and a knack for turning struggling campaigns around. As Fleming noted, “Dhoni had no hesitation to step up and help guide us out of this.” His willingness to lead, even at 43, speaks volumes about his commitment to CSK.
Dhoni’s impact this season hasn’t been limited to leadership. Despite batting lower down the order, he’s scored 103 runs in five innings at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate of 153.73, proving his finishing skills are still sharp. Behind the stumps, his glove work remains world-class, with standout moments like dismissing Mumbai Indians’ Suryakumar Yadav and guiding a successful DRS call against Mitchell Santner. His presence alone lifts the team, as Gaikwad himself said before the season: “Seeing him at 43 inspires us all.”
A Spark of Hope for CSK Fans
Dhoni’s return comes at a critical juncture. CSK’s batting has faltered, with early wickets in the powerplay disrupting their momentum, and their spinners—Jadeja, Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad—haven’t bowled their full quotas consistently. Fielding lapses have added to their woes. Yet, Dhoni’s leadership brings hope. Known for his ability to maximize resources, he’s likely to rally the team, fine-tune strategies, and bring clarity to their game plan.
The Chepauk crowd, known for their unwavering support, is set to erupt when Dhoni walks out for the toss against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 11. Former teammate Ambati Rayudu summed up the sentiment: “Dhoni can pull out his magic and make CSK qualify for the playoffs.” Even Sourav Ganguly, a former India captain, called Dhoni “a different beast” as CSK’s leader, highlighting his ability to read the game and hit massive sixes even at this stage of his career.
What Lies Ahead
Dhoni’s challenge is daunting. With CSK needing to win most of their remaining games to reach the playoffs, every match is a must-win. His first test comes against a strong Kolkata Knight Riders side, the defending champions, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Dhoni will need to address CSK’s batting woes, perhaps by reshuffling the order to stabilize the top, and ensure their spinners deliver in the middle overs. Youngsters like Rachin Ravindra and veterans like Jadeja will look to him for guidance, while bowlers like Matheesha Pathirana and Khaleel Ahmed will benefit from his tactical nous.
This isn’t the first time Dhoni has taken charge mid-season. In 2022, he stepped in after Jadeja’s stint as captain faltered, steadying the ship and setting the stage for their 2023 triumph. Fans are hoping for a similar turnaround, believing Dhoni’s “Midas touch” can revive CSK’s fortunes.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
MS Dhoni’s return as CSK captain in IPL 2025 is more than a tactical move—it’s a celebration of his enduring legacy. From leading India to the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy, to guiding CSK to five IPL titles, Dhoni has always been the man for a crisis. At 43, he’s defying age, proving that passion and skill know no bounds. Whether it’s a quickfire cameo, a lightning stumping, or a masterstroke in strategy, Dhoni continues to captivate.
For CSK fans, this is a chance to see their “Thala” lead one more time, possibly in his final IPL season. For cricket lovers, it’s a reminder of why Dhoni is a legend—calm under pressure, selfless in his approach, and forever tied to the yellow jersey. As CSK takes on the rest of IPL 2025, all eyes will be on Dhoni, ready to witness the magic of Captain Cool once again.
MS Dhoni’s return as CSK captain in IPL 2025 is a story of resilience, leadership, and unwavering love for the game. Stepping up when his team needed him most, he’s ready to guide CSK out of troubled waters. With the Chepauk faithful behind him and a squad eager to turn things around, Dhoni’s captaincy promises thrilling moments and, perhaps, another chapter in his storied legacy. For now, the yellow brigade marches on, led by a man who proves time and again that he’s truly one of a kind.
-By Manoj H
