MS Dhoni May Captain CSK Again If Ruturaj Misses Clash Against Delhi Capitals
There’s a buzz around Chennai as fans might get to witness something special this weekend — MS Dhoni leading Chennai Super Kings once again.
Current CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is doubtful for the team's upcoming IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals, set to be played on Saturday afternoon in Chennai. Gaikwad sustained an elbow injury during a recent game against Rajasthan Royals and is currently being monitored by the medical team.
On the eve of the match, CSK’s batting coach Michael Hussey addressed the media and shared an update.
“Ruturaj’s participation in tomorrow’s game will depend on how well he has recovered. If he's not fit, we’ll make a call accordingly,” Hussey said.
A Familiar Leader Could Return
If Gaikwad is ruled out, CSK may turn to none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni to lead the side once again — a move that would stir excitement across the cricketing world.
Though Dhoni stepped down from captaincy ahead of IPL 2025, passing the baton to Gaikwad to lead CSK into the future, he remains an integral part of the squad. And if needed, he's ready to step up — something he’s done countless times in his illustrious career.
MS Dhoni’s Captaincy Legacy in the IPL
Few captains in the history of cricket — let alone the IPL — have had the kind of impact MS Dhoni has had as the leader of a franchise.
Dhoni was handed the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural IPL season back in 2008. What followed was a golden era of consistency, success, and unmatched leadership.
🏆 Titles and Records
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5-time IPL Champion: 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023
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Most Matches as Captain in IPL history
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Most Playoff Appearances: CSK has reached the playoffs in nearly every season under his leadership
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Most Final Appearances (10) — another record held by CSK under Dhoni’s captaincy
Under Dhoni, CSK became more than just a team — it became a legacy of trust, composure, and strategy. Known for staying calm under pressure, making bold decisions, and backing players during tough phases, Dhoni's leadership created a culture of belief and unity. He has also mentored numerous players — from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Deepak Chahar to the likes of Ravindra Jadeja — shaping them into match-winners. Even after stepping down from leadership, Dhoni’s role in the dugout has been crucial. His strategic inputs, on-field awareness, and ability to read the game remain sharp as ever. And now, fans may once again see "Thala" taking charge on the field.
🏟️ What This Means for CSK
While Chennai Super Kings would love to have Ruturaj fit and leading from the front, Dhoni’s potential return as captain is far from a second-best option. It's a blend of experience, charisma, and emotional connection that fans deeply cherish. The decision on who leads the team will ultimately depend on Gaikwad’s fitness assessment just before the match. Either way, CSK fans have something exciting to look forward to when their team takes the field in Chennai.