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MS Dhoni Returns as CSK Captain After Ruturaj Gaikwad Ruled Out of IPL 2025 Due to Injury
In a major development mid-way through the IPL 2025 season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have handed the captaincy back to the legendary
MS Dhoni after current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with an injury. Dhoni, who had stepped down from leadership duties ahead of the season, is now back at the helm to guide the team through the crucial phase of the tournament.
MS Dhoni Amid Leadership Concerns Former West Indies cricketer Daren Ganga has raised concerns over Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) ongoing dependence on MS Dhoni as captain, suggesting it could be a risky move for the franchise’s long-term planning.
Despite his legendary status and success—having guided CSK to five IPL titles—Dhoni was once again thrust into the leadership role during the IPL 2025 season after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined mid-season due to an elbow injury.
Ganga believes that while Dhoni’s presence remains inspirational, the team’s strategy must evolve to ensure continuity and sustainable success beyond the veteran’s tenure.
The situation has reignited discussions surrounding Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) transition strategy—or the apparent absence of one. Former cricketer T20I VVS Laxman Ganga was candid during a panel discussion on ESPNcricinfo, openly questioning the franchise’s planning and preparedness for the future.
Former cricketer Daren Ganga has raised concerns about IPL teams placing their faith in players who are not actively involved in competitive cricket between seasons. Speaking on the matter, Ganga questioned the logic behind such a strategy.
“Isn’t it a significant risk to build your team around a player who doesn’t play any competitive cricket between IPL seasons?” he asked. “By relying on such players, teams could be putting themselves at a disadvantage, especially when it comes to fitness and sustained availability throughout the season.”
Ganga further added that this approach might disrupt long-term planning. “You end up in a situation where you’re searching for a captain again—someone who hasn’t been involved in the strategic process throughout. That puts teams in a continuous development cycle without real progress,” he explained.
CSK’s Leadership Puzzle: Ganga’s Comments Highlight Ongoing Captaincy Concerns
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continue to grapple with leadership instability, as highlighted by recent remarks from former cricketer Rohan Ganga. His comments reflect growing unease over the franchise’s captaincy decisions in recent seasons.
After MS Dhoni stepped down from captaincy in 2022, Ravindra Jadeja was appointed skipper but relinquished the role mid-season following a string of disappointing performances. Dhoni reassumed leadership in 2023, steering the team through yet another campaign. In 2024, the baton was passed to young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad in an attempt to groom the next generation.
However, in a dramatic turn of events during the 2025 season, CSK once again found themselves leaning on the seasoned shoulders of MS Dhoni, underscoring the team’s ongoing reliance on the legendary leader despite their efforts to plan for the future.
As discussions around succession continue, Ganga’s remarks bring to light the delicate balance CSK must strike between legacy and transition.
Ganga Backs MS Dhoni’s Inclusion in Playing XI Despite Captaincy Concerns
Former cricketer Daren Ganga, while expressing his concerns over the ongoing captaincy issues, has firmly stated that MS Dhoni still deserves a spot in the playing XI. Despite the criticism surrounding leadership decisions, Ganga emphasized Dhoni’s experience and skillset as vital assets to the team’s performance.
With the opportunities he’s taken and the performances he’s delivered as both a wicketkeeper and a lower-order batter, especially in crucial moments, it’s clear he’s positioned himself strongly. He has shown he has what it takes to earn a place in the team,” he said.
A growing debate has emerged around MS Dhoni’s ongoing role in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) leadership structure, even 18 years after he first took charge. While it’s widely accepted that sport operates in cycles and that leadership has a natural shelf life, questions are now being raised over whether Dhoni’s continued presence as a captain-like figure is hindering the grooming of future leaders.
“Should he still be considered the captain of that squad? We all agree that leadership is temporary, and the game evolves. But it’s been 18 years since he started leading the side,” a former cricketer remarked.
The situation has become particularly delicate for younger talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad and even past players like Ravindra Jadeja, who have had to operate under Dhoni’s looming influence. “It’s unsettling to lead a side or be groomed as a future leader when someone like Dhoni—who seemingly still has ambitions of captaincy—is in the background. It’s portrayed that he’s stepped away, but the reality feels quite different,” he added, pointing to personal experiences of such leadership ambiguity.
This situation continues to spark conversations within the cricketing community about succession planning, clarity in leadership roles, and the long-term vision of franchises like CSK.
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