On April 10, 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) got big news. Their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was ruled out of IPL 2025 with an elbow injury. MS Dhoni, a CSK legend, stepped in to lead the team again. CSK have lost four of their first five games and sit ninth on the points table. Fans are asking: Can Dhoni turn things around? Let’s look at this with an introduction, nine key points, and a conclusion. We’ll use simple words and short sentences for easy reading.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are in trouble in IPL 2025. They’ve lost four of five matches, sitting ninth out of ten teams. On April 10, 2025, their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was ruled out with a fractured elbow. MS Dhoni, aged 43, took over as captain again. This happened before their home game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk. Gaikwad got hurt on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
He still scored 122 runs this season, second-most for CSK. According to ESPN Cricinfo, his injury is a big blow. Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles before. Coach Stephen Fleming said Dhoni was ready to step up. Fans hope his experience can save the team. Chepauk, their fortress, has seen two losses already. As per BBC Sports, Dhoni’s return is exciting news. Can he fix CSK’s lousy start? Let’s explore nine moments that could decide CSK’s fate with Dhoni back as the godfather of cricket.
Gaikwad’s Injury Shocks CSK
Ruturaj Gaikwad got hit on his elbow on March 30. It happened against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. He stepped out to Tushar Deshpande and missed the ball. The fast bowler struck his unprotected elbow. Gaikwad scored 63 that day despite the pain. He played two more games, scoring 5 and 1. An MRI showed a fracture in his radial neck. According to Cricbuzz, he’s out for IPL 2025. CSK lost their key batter and captain. His 122 runs were vital this season. This injury left CSK in a tough spot.
Dhoni Steps Up as Leader
MS Dhoni became captain again on April 10, 2025. He’s 43 but has led CSK since 2008. Dhoni won five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. He gave the captaincy to Gaikwad in 2024. Now, he’s back to save CSK. Coach Fleming said Dhoni didn’t hesitate. As per ESPN Cricinfo, his experience is unmatched. He also led CSK after Jadeja struggled in 2022. Fans cheered loudly at Chepauk. Dhoni’s calm leadership could lift the team.
CSK lost four of their first five games. They beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) but then stumbled. Losses came against Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and others. They’re ninth, above only Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). According to Aajtak Sports, their batting has failed. The middle order scored slow, with a strike rate of 126.04. Chepauk saw two defeats already. Fans are nervous about a third straight home loss. Dhoni faces a big challenge now.
Chepauk Pitch Confuses CSK
The Chepauk pitch isn’t helping CSK this year. It used to spin sharply for Ashwin and Jadeja. Now, it’s a mystery, says coach Fleming. CSK lost two games at home already. According to BBC Sports, the pitch isn’t turning much. Spinners like Ashwin struggled, leaking runs. Batters can’t time shots easily, either. As per Wikipedia, CSK won 18 of 25 home games from 2012-2015. This season, their fortress looks weak. Dhoni must figure out this puzzle.
R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja aren’t taking wickets. Ashwin gave away 10 runs per over for five wickets. Jadeja took two wickets in five games. Their spin was deadly at Chepauk once. According to ESPN Cricinfo, Ashwin’s powerplay economy is 15.60. Jadeja bowls tight but doesn’t strike. Noor Ahmad took 11 wickets, outshining them. As per Cricbuzz, their form hurts CSK. Dhoni might guide them back to their best future on the global stage, like South Africa and Australia.
Middle Order Lacks Firepower
CSK’s middle order is slow this season. Batters from No. 4 to 7 have a strike rate of 126.04. That’s the lowest in IPL 2025. Shivam Dube scored 17 off 12 against PBKS. Other teams hit harder in the middle overs. According to BBC Sports, CSK hit only 31 sixes in five games. KKR hit 42 in comparison. As per Aajtak Sports, this weakness costs matches. Dhoni’s batting and tactics could fix this.
Dhoni faces KKR on April 11, 2025, at Chepauk. He struggles against their spinners. Varun Chakravarthy got him out three times in 16 balls. Sunil Narine gave him 39 runs off 74 balls. According to Cricbuzz, Dhoni’s strike rate against Narine is 52.70. KKR’s Ajinkya Rahane knows CSK well too. As per ESPN Cricinfo, this game is key. Dhoni must outsmart KKR’s spin attack.
Noor Ahmad Shines Bright
Noor Ahmad, CSK’s young spinner, is a star. He took 11 wickets in five games. His economy rate is 8.33, and his average is 13.63. According to BBC Sports, he’s the Purple Cap holder. Noor’s wristspin troubles batters in the middle overs. Jadeja bowls less because of him, even though he performed well in the semifinal vs Australia. As per Wikipedia, his strikes give CSK hope. Dhoni can use Noor to attack KKR. This could turn the game around.
Dhoni is known for staying cool under pressure. He’s won tight games for CSK before. In 2023, he led them to the title. According to ESPN Cricinfo, his captaincy record is amazing. CSK needs that calm now as South Africa choked against New Zealand in the semi-final of the CT 2025. They face KKR, then Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI). As per Cricbuzz, Dhoni’s plans could lift the team. Fans believe he can avoid a third home loss.
Conclusion
Can Dhoni turn CSK’s fortunes around at Chepauk? It’s a big question! CSK are struggling, losing four of five games. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s elbow injury on March 30 ended his IPL 2025. Dhoni, 43, took over as captain on April 10. He’s won five IPL titles and knows Chepauk well. According to BBC Sports, his return excites fans. CSK’s middle order is slow, and spinners Ashwin and Jadeja are off-form.
The Chepauk pitch isn’t helping either. But Dhoni has Noor Ahmad’s 11 wickets to use. As per ESPN Cricinfo, his calm leadership is key. The KKR game on April 11 could start a turnaround. If Dhoni beats KKR’s spinners, CSK might rise. Fans hope he avoids a third straight home loss. With Dhoni back, CSK’s season isn’t over yet!
