"It's Sad"- Ambati Rayudu on MS Dhoni taking over CSK captaincy from Ruturaj Gaikwad

In devastating news, Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2025 season due to injury. Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu expressed disappointment over Gaikwad's absence but backed MS Dhoni to guide the team to the playoffs despite getting off to a poor start.

MS Dhoni is set to take over the Chennai Super Kings captaincy once again. The wicketkeeper returns to the helm after stepping down before the 2024 season. Gaikwad sustained the injury during the match against the Rajasthan Royals. However, he played the next two games, but scans later confirmed a fracture.

MS Dhoni Set to Captain Chennai Super Kings for the Remainder of IPL 2025

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that Dhoni will captain the team for the remainder of the season. They will play their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, April 11. Dhoni last led the team in the 2023 final, where CSK clinched their fifth title.

The Super Kings are in deep trouble after their first five matches of IPL 2025. They suffered four consecutive losses after opening their campaign with a win. CSK are currently ninth on the table with just two points. Dhoni has a tough task ahead to help the team reach the playoffs in the ongoing tournament.

It's Very Sad That Ruturaj Gaikwad Has Been Ruled Out - Ambati Rayudu

In a video shared by ESPNcricinfo, Ambati Rayudu is confident in MS Dhoni’s ability to turn things around after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury. Rayudu stated that fans would be thrilled to see Dhoni back as captain. He hoped Dhoni could guide CSK to the playoffs.

“First of all, it's very sad that Ruturaj, the captain of CSK, has been ruled out of the IPL. But all the fans will definitely be extremely excited to see MS Dhoni lead CSK again. He can always pull out his magic and make CSK qualify from here. It will be one great story. So, I am very, very excited and I just hope that he weaves his magic all over the CSK team,” Rayudu told ESPN Cricinfo.

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MS Dhoni Had to Step In as Captain Midway During the IPL 2022 Season

After their title-winning run in 2021, Chennai Super Kings had planned a leadership transition by appointing Ravindra Jadeja as captain for the 2022 season. However, the plan didn't work out as expected. Jadeja stepped down after just eight games due to poor team performance.

MS Dhoni had to resume the captaincy, but CSK couldn't recover in time to reach the playoffs. Dhoni then helped the team secure their fifth title in the 2023 season.

The Jharkhand-born cricketer has an exceptional record in the IPL. He has led CSK to 10 finals, securing five titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023). Additionally, he guided the team to two Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014.

Also read: MS Dhoni reappointed CSK captain for IPL 2025 as 'injured' Ruturaj Gaikwad dumped by Stephen Fleming