The Indian Premier League (IPL) has truly taken a cinematic turn. Icon MS Dhoni is set to don the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain’s hat once again — but with a funny twist. The 43-year-old legend, despite his storied international career, will become the first “uncapped” player to captain a side in IPL history. Unfortunately for CSK, permanent captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has endured a tournament-ending injury, suffering a hairline fracture in his right elbow.
Cricket 4 mins IPL 2025: Who will MS Dhoni bring in to replace Gaikwad as CSK’s No 3?Why is MS Dhoni “uncapped”?
According to a recent BCCI ruling, any player who hasn’t featured in international cricket for five years is classified as “uncapped”. Dhoni, who last played for India in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, falls under this new categorisation, despite leading India to three ICC titles and CSK to five IPL crowns.
Technically, Dhoni isn’t uncapped. However, as per the new IPL rules, he is. Alongside him, Sandeep Sharma and Mohit Sharma are also playing as uncapped players for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Delhi Capitals (DC), respectively, despite being Indian internationals.
Cricket 4 mins MS Dhoni to lead CSK in IPL 2025, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out due to elbow fractureOldest captains in IPL so far
AgeCaptainTeamMatchDate41 years 325 daysMS DhoniCSKCSK vs GT28 May 202341 years 249 daysShane WarneRRRR vs MI20 May 201141 years 185 daysAdam GilchristKXIP (PBKS)KXIP vs MI18 May 201340 years 133 daysRahul DravidRRRR vs MI24 May 201339 years 316 daysSourav GangulyPWIPWI vs KKR19 May 201239 years 314 daysFaf du PlessisRCBRCB vs RR22 May 202443y 277d would be Dhoni’s age when he captains CSK on April 11Dhoni or not, Gaikwad’s absence to weaken CSK
The potential absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad poses a massive threat to Chennai Super Kings’ batting lineup, rather than just a captaincy conundrum. As the in-form player at No. 3, Gaikwad’s steady starts have been crucial in masking the top-order’s struggles.
Without him, CSK will be forced to reshuffle their XI and overseas combination, potentially leading to a tricky selection dilemma. With Rahul Tripathi out of form, Devon Conway’s return to the lineup could be on the cards, but this would necessitate the omission of either Jamie Overton or Matheesha Pathirana. Conway, pairing up with Rachin Ravindra, could be vital to stick in solidarity.
As a replacement player, CSK could look to bring in someone like Prithvi Shaw or Jonny Bairstow. Also, Ayush Mhatre, who recently gave trials mid-season for them as well.
Most IPL runs for CSK since 2022 ft. Gaikwad
PlayerInnsRunsHSAveSR100504s6sGaikwad481663108*37.79140.3311315166Dube44120995*32.67157.62086986Conway24100692*47.90140.3001010632Jadeja3865857*28.60135.67014425MS Dhoni4160050*37.50155.84014440MS Dhoni to become first “uncapped” player to captain in IPL history as CSK lose Gaikwad Inside Sport India.
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