MS Dhoni is back as the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the rest of IPL 2025, after Ruturaj Gaikwad had to step out due to an injury.
Gaikwad suffered a hairline fracture in his elbow, which means he won’t be playing for the remainder of the tournament. With him out, CSK has turned to the trusted and experienced Dhoni — fondly called ‘Captain Cool’ by fans — to lead the team once again.
Dhoni’s return has surely boosted the team’s morale, but former cricketer Robin Uthappa reminded fans to stay realistic and not expect instant miracles. He believes Dhoni’s leadership will help, but turning things around will still take time and effort from the entire squad.
CSK’s Tough Start in IPL 2025
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are having a rough season in IPL 2025. They’re currently placed ninth on the points table with just two points and have lost four matches in a row. As they prepare to take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) this Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the team is hoping for a much-needed comeback.
After the recent match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, former cricketer Robin Uthappa spoke about CSK’s struggles. He pointed out how important it is for the team to find a strong replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad, especially in the batting department, to get back on track.
“I don’t think just having Dhoni back as captain will suddenly turn things around for CSK,” said former cricketer Robin Uthappa. “There are still big issues within the team. It’s tough to replace someone like Ruturaj, especially when he was the only player consistently performing well.”
Addressing Team Line-up
Former cricketer Robin Uthappa shared his thoughts on how CSK can handle their current line-up issues. He suggested Rahul Tripathi could be a good option at number 3, as other batters have been inconsistent. He also mentioned that bringing back Sam Curran might help the team, especially with some important matches coming up.
“Replacing Ruturaj is not going to be easy. It’s a big question—who steps in, and how will it affect CSK’s chances this season?” Uthappa said.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed on Thursday evening that Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured during a match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. Even though he played in the next two games against Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, the injury turned out to be more serious than expected, forcing him to sit out the rest of the season.
With Gaikwad injured, MS Dhoni has taken over as captain once again. Fans will remember his successful leadership in IPL 2023, before he passed the baton to Gaikwad in 2024.
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