Key Highlights:
Murphy’s Law has truly latched onto the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025. With four consecutive losses already threatening their playoff hopes, CSK now faces a massive setback — captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the remainder of the season due to an elbow injury. In a desperate bid to save their campaign, CSK has turned back to their iconic leader, MS Dhoni, who will once again don the captain’s hat.
This decision comes ahead of a crucial fixture — CSK vs KKR at Chepauk — a match that could determine whether the five-time champions sink deeper or stay afloat in this turbulent season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Injury: What We Know
According to CSK team sources, Ruturaj Gaikwad sustained an elbow injury during training and will be out for the rest of IPL 2025. This marks a significant blow for CSK, who had placed their faith in the young opener to lead the next generation after Dhoni’s step-down.
While Gaikwad had a mixed run with the bat, his calm leadership and tactical clarity were seen as a key asset. Now, with Dhoni back as CSK captain, the team is banking on his experience to restore confidence in a sinking ship.
Chepauk Fortress at Risk: History on the Line
The upcoming clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has ominous undertones. If CSK lose, it will be the first time ever they suffer three consecutive losses at Chepauk.
Their current form:
Last 3 matches – Loss, Loss, Loss
Middle-order strike rate – Lowest in IPL 2025 at 126.04
By contrast, KKR’s middle order has a strike rate of 147.18, and while they’ve also had a rocky start, they enter the match with a better rhythm.
Dhoni at the Crease: From Icon to Silence
During their last match at Chepauk, something unthinkable happened — as MS Dhoni batted during a losing chase, fans began leaving the stadium. The silence at a typically roaring Chepauk symbolized CSK’s deeper struggles.
Now, with Dhoni stepping in as captain, can he turn things around both on the field and in the stands?
Probable Playing XIs and Captaincy Shake-Up
Chennai Super Kings (probable):
- Rachin Ravindra
- Devon Conway
- Rahul Tripathi (replacing Ruturaj)
- Shivam Dube
- Vijay Shankar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (capt, wk)
- R Ashwin
- Noor Ahmad
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Matheesha Pathirana
Kolkata Knight Riders (probable):
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Sunil Narine
- Ajinkya Rahane (capt)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Moeen Ali/Spencer Johnson
- Harshit Rana
- Vaibhav Arora
- Varun Chakravarthy
What This Means for CSK Fans and Fantasy Teams
- Who is the CSK captain 2025 now? It’s officially MS Dhoni, following Ruturaj’s exit.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL 2025 – Confirmed due to elbow injury.
- MSD is back, bringing hope and nostalgia to the yellow brigade.
- Fantasy league users should remove Gaikwad and consider Dhoni or Tripathi as potential pick-ups.
- KKR fans will enjoy watching Rahane lead against his former team, mentored by Dwayne Bravo, another CSK veteran.
In the Spotlight: Shivam Dube and Venkatesh Iyer
Shivam Dube, who has struggled against pace-heavy bowling attacks, will be tested by KKR’s tactical use of seamers like Russell. Meanwhile, Venkatesh Iyer is returning to form and has a record of match-winning knocks at Chepauk — including his 52*(26) to seal KKR’s IPL title.
Pitch & Conditions: Chepauk’s Unknown Factor
The Chepauk pitch continues to baffle even home coaches. Stephen Fleming recently admitted that CSK “haven’t been able to come to grips with it.” Conditions are expected to be dry and spinner-friendly, but variable bounce is a possibility.
Stats & Trivia: Key Match-Ups to Watch
- Dhoni vs Narine – 39 runs off 74 balls, 1 dismissal, strike rate: 52.70
- Varun Chakravarthy vs Dhoni – 3 dismissals in 16 balls
- Sunil Narine vs Ashwin – 94 runs off 39 balls, 1 dismissal
- Vaibhav Arora vs Lefties (since 2024) – 8 wickets in 11 powerplay innings at 7.00 strike rate
CSK Captain 2025 Shake-Up Brings Back Thala Time
With Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out, CSK turns to its trusted warhorse. The return of MS Dhoni as CSK captain in 2025 is more than a tactical change — it’s a call for calm in chaos. Whether the move revives the franchise or simply postpones the inevitable will be revealed on Friday at Chepauk.
But one thing’s for sure — Chennai’s Super King is back in the driver’s seat, and fans around the world will be watching.
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