MS Dhoni returns as CSK captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad injury Irfan Pathan urges fans to criticise respectfully

By Swapneel Deshpande 11 Apr 2025, 14:37 IST

MS Dhoni Back as CSK Captain After Gaikwad Injury

MS Dhoni has once again taken charge of Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the 2025 season due to a serious elbow injury. As CSK prepare to take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter’s comeback as skipper has sparked emotional reactions from fans and strong statements from cricket experts, including former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan.

Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out, Dhoni steps in

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the news during the pre-match press conference ahead of the crucial CSK vs KKR fixture. Gaikwad was appointed full-time CSK captain ahead of the season. Unfortunately, he fractured his elbow during a training session and will miss the remainder of the tournament.

This development has paved the way for 43-year-old MS Dhoni to don the captain’s hat for the third time in comeback fashion. Dhoni previously returned to lead CSK in IPL 2022 after Ravindra Jadeja stepped down mid-season. Now, with CSK facing a leadership vacuum yet again, Dhoni has answered the call.

Irfan Pathan urges fans to respect Dhoni while criticising

Amid the buzz around Dhoni’s return, Irfan Pathan took to his YouTube channel to caution fans against trolling the legendary cricketer. While supporting the right to question a player’s performance, Pathan emphasized that all criticism should be based on stats and delivered with respect.

“Criticise Dhoni, but do it with numbers. He is a match-winner, a World Cup-winning captain, and an IPL legend. Even if he is not winning matches now, that doesn’t give anyone the right to disrespect him. Don’t cross that line with memes and trolling,” Pathan said.

He added that fans are the biggest stakeholders in the sport and are entitled to hold players accountable, but the discourse must remain civil.

“If Dhoni doesn’t perform, we can talk about that — but with logic and decency. I’ll support that too. But don’t mock someone who has brought glory to Indian cricket and CSK,” he concluded.

Dhoni’s legacy and the road ahead

Under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK have lifted the IPL trophy five times — most recently in 2023. He had stepped away from leadership duties in 2024 to groom a new generation. But Dhoni’s on-field presence and tactical nous remain unmatched. With CSK in the playoff race, his return could provide the spark needed in the final stretch of IPL 2025.

As of now, CSK sit mid-table with mixed results. The fixture against KKR at Chepauk could be pivotal in shaping their campaign. Dhoni’s leadership, calm temperament, and experience in crunch matches could play a crucial role.

Fans react to Dhoni’s captaincy return

Social media has erupted with mixed emotions — from nostalgia to concern. Many fans expressed excitement at seeing “Thala” lead CSK once more. On the other hand, others worried about whether Dhoni still has the match fitness to captain in high-pressure games. Still, the overwhelming sentiment remains one of reverence for a cricketer who has defined an era.