[WATCH] Very sad to see Gaikwad ruled out, but fans will be excited to see Dhoni lead CSK again: Ambati Rayudu

Ambati-Rayudu-and-MS-Dhoni. (Photo source: Star Sports and X)

In the 25th match of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to clash with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, April 11. However, CSK face a major setback as their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the tournament due to a fractured elbow. MS Dhoni will lead the side in his absence.

Former CSK player Ambati Rayudu expressed his disappointment at losing Gaikwad for the season. However, he also acknowledged that fans have something to look forward to, the return of as captain.

“First of all, it’s very sad that Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of CSK, has been ruled out of the IPL. But all the fans definitely will be extremely excited to see MS Dhoni lead CSK again. And 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,” said Rayudu in an X video.

🗣 With #RuturajGaikwad ruled out of IPL 2025 due to injury, here’s #AmbatiRayudu’s take on MS Dhoni returning to lead CSK for the rest of the season 🤔

Will Thala lead CSK back to their glory days? 🤩#IPLonJioStar 👉 #CSKvKKR | FRI, 11th APR | 6:30 PM LIVE on Star Sports… pic.twitter.com/Zr6eoI6c26

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 10, 2025

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Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles, will once again wear the captaincy hat. While losing Gaikwad is a significant loss, the former India captain returning to lead the side provides an emotional and strategic boost to both the team and its fanbase. The wicketkeeper-batter has an unmatched record as captain and is known for turning around tough situations with his brilliance.

With the team currently on a losing streak, the World Cup winning captain will aim to regroup his squad and bring them back to winning ways. His leadership could be the spark CSK might need to regain momentum and climb up the points table. Fans will be hoping that this comeback story turns into another fairytale run, with Dhoni once again taking CSK deep into the tournament and all the way to the playoffs.