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

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will play in the 25th Indian Premier League (IPL) match of 2025 on Friday, April 11 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK’s captain, has been ruled out of the competition because of a fractured elbow, which is a serious blow to the team. In his place, MS Dhoni will captain the team.

Ambati Rayudu, a former CSK player, voiced his disappointment at Gaikwad’s season-ending departure. He did concede, though, that the return of MS Dhoni as captain is something that supporters can anticipate.

First and foremost, it is quite unfortunate that CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad would not be participating in the IPL. However, when MS Dhoni leads CSK once more, all of the fans will undoubtedly be ecstatic. And from here, he can always work his magic to get CSK to qualify. It will be a fantastic tale. In an X video, Rayudu stated, “I am incredibly excited and I just hope that he works his magic on the entire CSK team.”

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

Dhoni, who has guided CSK to five IPL championships, will take the captaincy once more.

Gaikwad’s return to lead the squad is a strategic and emotional boost for the team and its supporters, even though losing him is a big loss. The batsman-wicketkeeper has an unrivalled record as captain and is renowned for using his genius to turn around difficult circumstances.

The World Cup-winning captain will try to rally his team and get them back to winning ways because they are currently on a losing streak. His leadership might provide CSK with the impetus they need to pick up steam and move up the standings. With Dhoni leading CSK deep into the tournament and all the way to the playoffs once more, fans will be hoping that this comeback tale becomes another epic run.