MS Dhoni to lead CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL 2025

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dealt a huge blow as their skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). MS Dhoni will lead CSK for the rest of the season. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the development on the eve of the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday (April 11) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

CSK also released an official statement confirming that Ruturaj has sustained a hairline fracture to his elbow. He was hit on the elbow while facing Tushar Deshpande against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30. Even though he featured in the next two matches against Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, scans have



confirmed a fracture to Gaikwad's elbow.

His injury is a major setback to CSK who are already struggling this season with four losses in five matches. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been their top run-scorer in three out of the last four seasons. With their top-order already struggling, Ruturaj's absence will certainly hurt the five-time champions.

Meanwhile, the 43-year-old Dhoni will be back to leading CSK for the first time since captaining them to their fifth IPL title in 2023 when they defeated the Gujarat Titans in the final. As far as his captaincy record in IPL is concerned, Dhoni is the most successful skipper with 133 wins in 226 matches as captain, to go with 91 losses.