IPL 2025: MS Dhoni likely to captain CSK against DC on Saturday

MS Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain before IPL 2024 and passed on the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans might witness MS Dhoni don the captain’s hat in their upcoming clash against Delhi Capitals (DC). CSK are set to take on DC in match 17 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at their home ground – MA Chidambaram Stadium – on Saturday, April 5.

According to reports, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to miss the team’s next clash against DC. Gaikwad was hit by Tushar Deshpande’s delivery in their last game against the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

MS Dhoni likely to lead CSK against DC in Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence: Michael Hussey

During the pre-match press conference of CSK vs DC clash, CSK batting Coach Michael Hussey revealed that Gaikwad might be unavailable for the next encounter. He also added that Dhoni might take the reins of the side in his absence.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad’s participation in tomorrow’s game will depend on how well he recovered. He is still sore and we would take a call as to how he bats in the nets today. If he doesn’t play, not sure who will lead. But there is a strong chance that a young wicketkeeper might fill in,” said Hussey.

Notably, Dhoni stepped down as CSK captaincy before IPL 2024 and handed over the duties to young opener Gaikwad. However, he has always guided Gaikwad on the field with his experience. Gaikwad has showed good form with the bat in the ongoing tournament; hitting two half-centuries across three matches.

On the other hand, Dhoni got out for a duck in CSK’s opening game against Mumbai Indians, but slammed a quickfire 30 in their next clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which unfortunately resulted in a loss. In their previous game against RR, the wicket-keeper batter got out for 16 runs and failed to chase 20 runs off the final over of the match.

CSK have lost two games out of three in IPL 2025

Under Gaikwad’s captaincy, CSK have shown poor performance so far in IPL 2025, winning just one game out of three. The five-time IPL champions defeated MI in their first clash by four wickets, but faced back-to-back defeats against RCB and RR.

With two points in three games, the Super Kings are currently placed eighth in the points table. On the other hand, their opponents of the next game, Axar Patel-led DC, are unbeaten in two games so far in the ongoing tournament. DC defeated Lucknow Super Giants by one wicket in their first game and Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets in their next clash.

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