MS Dhoni Returns as CSK Captain in IPL 2025 | God Writes Different Script for Dhoni | CSK Captain 2025

MS Dhoni Steps Up as CSK Captain Again in IPL 2025: "God Writes Different Script for Him"

There are few stories in world cricket as cinematic as the tale of MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings. And as fate would have it, IPL 2025 has added yet another chapter to that legendary script. With Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the tournament due to a painful elbow fracture, the inevitable has happened MS Dhoni is back as captain of CSK.

While this was certainly not in the original game plan, for fans of Dhoni and CSK, this twist feels like destiny at work or as ex-India cricketer Murali Kartik aptly put it on Cricbuzz, "God writes different script for him."

The Injury Blow That Changed CSK’s Course

Ruturaj Gaikwad was shaping up to be CSK’s next long-term leader, having been groomed patiently by the franchise. His stellar form with the bat in IPL 2023 and 2024 averaging 42.14 and 53 respectively made him one of the finest young openers in the competition. But sport can be cruel, and during CSK's game against Rajasthan Royals, a nasty blow on the elbow from Tushar Deshpande proved to be far more damaging than initially feared.

CSK's Head Coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that while initial X-rays were inconclusive, subsequent MRI scans revealed a fracture in the radial neck of Gaikwad's elbow. It was a tough call for Gaikwad, who even played through pain in two matches before the injury forced him out of IPL 2025 entirely.

And just like that, Chennai's beloved ‘Thala’ was back in charge.

MS Dhoni: The Reluctant But Ever-Ready Leader

When Stephen Fleming announced that MS Dhoni, technically listed as an "uncapped player" under BCCI's five-year post-retirement rule, would once again lead the side, fans erupted with joy. Fleming himself admitted there was zero hesitation from Dhoni to take up the role again, highlighting the 43-year-old's commitment to the franchise.

“He had no hesitation to step up and help guide us out of this if we can,” said Fleming.

Dhoni’s connection with CSK is more than just a cricketing relationship it’s a bond built on loyalty, leadership, and love. Over 226 matches as captain in the IPL, Dhoni has guided CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant to 133 victories, holding a remarkable win percentage of 58.84%. Under his leadership, CSK lifted the IPL trophy five times in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023 creating a legacy that few can dream of matching.

The Numbers Behind The Legend

Even in the twilight of his playing career, MS Dhoni continues to deliver in crucial moments. In IPL 2025, despite coming lower down the batting order, Dhoni has scored 103 runs in five innings at a blistering strike rate of 153.73 averaging 51.50. His best score so far has been 30, but his cameos have often provided the late flourish that CSK so desperately needs.

With 5,346 runs in the IPL, including 24 half-centuries, Dhoni remains sixth on the all-time run-scorers list proof of his enduring impact in the world's biggest T20 league.

Murali Kartik's Emotional Reflection on Dhoni’s Return

Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik summed up what millions of fans feel about Dhoni’s unexpected return to captaincy. Reflecting on CSK's struggles and Dhoni's eternal connection with the franchise, Kartik remarked:

“They (CSK) tried to nourish Ravindra Jadeja for a year but that didn't work. The script came back to MS Dhoni. God writes different script for him. This time as well, CSK have to go back to Dhoni because he is a big name.”

It’s a sentiment that captures the aura surrounding Dhoni a man whose cricketing story always seems to have another unexpected twist.

CSK's Road Ahead Without Ruturaj Gaikwad

For CSK, losing Gaikwad isn't just about losing a captain it’s about losing their most consistent batter. With the team languishing at ninth in the IPL 2025 points table, having won just one out of their first five matches, this is uncharted territory for the five-time champions.

Gaikwad’s ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships will be sorely missed. But if there is any player in world cricket capable of galvanizing a struggling team, it’s MS Dhoni.

What Can We Expect from Dhoni's Captaincy This Time

With Dhoni back at the helm, CSK will likely revert to a more traditional strategy-heavy approach. Expect clever bowling changes, surprise field placements, and an emphasis on using his spinners effectively especially on slow Chepauk tracks.

It remains to be seen whether Dhoni will promote himself up the order more frequently or stick to his role as the late-innings finisher. Given CSK's fragile middle order in IPL 2025, fans wouldn’t mind seeing Dhoni the batter take center stage more often.

Will Dhoni Script Another Fairytale

Cricket, like life, rarely follows a straight path. For MS Dhoni, the path back to CSK’s captaincy has once again been winding, unexpected, and tinged with nostalgia.

Is there another fairytale ending waiting for CSK this season? It’s too early to say. But if history has shown us anything, it’s that MS Dhoni never reads from the usual script. He writes his own.

And sometimes, as Murali Kartik said, God seems to be the co-author.