Indian cricket player in blue national team jersey smiling on the field.
Sports

MS Dhoni is Back for IPL 2025 After Ruturaj Gaikwad Injury

Cricket fans, buckle up! MS Dhoni is officially back in charge of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the rest of IPL 2025!

The decision comes after CSK’s current captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was ruled out of the season due to a hairline fracture in his elbow. Gaikwad, leading CSK confidently this year, picked up the injury earlier but kept playing through the pain. However, scans have now confirmed the severity, forcing him to step aside.

This opened the door for a familiar face to return to the top job: Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Why Dhoni’s Return Matters

At 43, Dhoni is still one of the sharpest minds in the game. He has already led Chennai Super Kings (2.30) to five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023) and has one of the best captaincy records in IPL history. Under Dhoni, CSK has won nearly 60% of their matches — an incredible feat in a league known for its unpredictability.

Last season, even in a smaller role, Dhoni showed his class by finishing games with explosive cameos. In IPL 2024, he had a strike rate of 184.27 in the final overs — proof that he still has the magic touch when the pressure is on.

But it’s not just about his batting. Dhoni’s leadership could be exactly what CSK needs right now. The team has been inconsistent, especially with their bowling. With Dhoni back behind the stumps, expect sharper field settings, smarter bowling changes, and cooler heads in tight moments.

For punters following the action on Easybet, CSK’s odds for a top-four finish have already seen a positive swing since the announcement. It is a clear sign of growing confidence in Dhoni’s ability to turn the campaign around.

What’s Next for CSK?

CSK currently sits 4th in the points table with 4 wins from 7 matches. It’s a decent position, but they’ll need a strong finish to secure a playoff spot. Losing Gaikwad is a big blow — he was CSK’s top run-scorer this season with 289 runs at an average of 41.28 — but Dhoni’s return could boost morale and give the squad the lift it needs.

Today, they will battle with the Lucknow Super Giants at the odds of 1.65. They will soon clash in a high-stakes clash against the Mumbai Indians (1.75), setting up another classic showdown between Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Fans are already buzzing for this one.

Fans Can’t Get Enough

As soon as the news broke, social media exploded. The hashtag #ThalaReturns shot to the top of the trending list, with fans celebrating the return of their beloved captain. CSK jersey sales featuring Dhoni’s famous number 7 have skyrocketed, and broadcasters are expecting a big bump in viewership.

Dhoni’s influence goes beyond the field — he’s a ticket-seller, a viewership magnet, and for many, the heart and soul of the IPL.

The Bottom Line

With MS Dhoni back as captain, CSK’s campaign gets a second wind. The road ahead won’t be easy, but if there’s one man who knows how to steer the ship in stormy waters, it’s Thala Dhoni.

Get ready for fireworks. The King is back — and for those looking to follow every twist and turn, Easybet will have you covered with the latest odds, updates, and insights all IPL season long.

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