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Dhoni Returns as CSK Captain Amidst Injury Crisis and Losing Streak
Chennai limped into their clash with Lucknow, having suffered defeat in five successive matches to start the season. Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni and teammates knew only a victory would salvage their fading playoff hopes. While Dhoni's leadership remained invaluable, head coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged a change in fortunes would not be instantaneous.
Against the in-form Super Giants, Chennai faced a stern examination of character if they aimed to keep their title defense alive. With pressure mounting on a star-studded lineup to deliver, the Chennai Super Kings knew their season rested on a much-needed success at Lucknow's expense.
MS Dhoni Takes Over CSK Captaincy Following Gaikwad's Exit
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the skipper of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025 due to a hairline fracture in his elbow joint sustained during their match against the Rajasthan Royals. Gaikwad had been one of the few reliable run-scorers in a batting order that had looked lost at sea.
Head coach Stephen Fleming announced Gaikwad's absence in the pre-match press conference before their match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. With Gaikwad out, attention now shifts to MS Dhoni, who will take over captaincy for the first time since guiding CSK to a historic IPL 2023 title.
The 28-year-old Gaikwad took to CSK’s social media to express his disappointment and gratitude. “I am really gutted to miss the rest of the IPL due to an unfortunate elbow injury. I want to thank everyone for your support so far; it truly means a lot,” he said in a heartfelt video message.
Dhoni's Presence "Dominant," But No Magic Wand, Says CSK Coach
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reeling from five on-the-trot defeats in six matches and are stuck at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table. Head coach Stephen Fleming feels a turnaround is a "big challenge" and that MS Dhoni's return as captain will not transform the team overnight.
Fleming believes that Dhoni will be a big presence, but he does not have a magic wand. The team is all working hard with MS to flip things around and ensure that the energy is directed in the right place, as they have done in energy-guzzling situations in their lives.
Conclusion
Bedeviled by five straight losses and the absence of Gaikwad, CSK desperately needed a win against Lucknow on the return of Captain Dhoni. Coach Fleming acknowledged the test, insisting that Dhoni's comeback, significant as it was, would not be an instant panacea for their woeful season.