MS Dhoni takes over amid CSK captain's injury, netizens criticize 'Thala' fans for disrespecting Ruturaj Gaikwad

In a shocking turn of events, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be without their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, as he has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to an elbow fracture. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the news, revealing that Gaikwad sustained the injury after being hit by a short ball from Jofra Archer.

While many were upset by this news, their mood shifted to happiness when it was announced that uncapped player and legend MS Dhoni would be leading the side. "Ruturaj Gaikwad is ruled out of the IPL with a fracture in his elbow. MS Dhoni will take over as captain," Fleming told the media on Thursday.

? OFFICIAL STATEMENT ?

Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the season due to a hairline fracture of the elbow.

MS DHONI TO LEAD. ?

GET WELL SOON, RUTU ! ? ?#WhistlePodu #Yellove?? pic.twitter.com/U0NsVhKlny

〞 Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 10, 2025

Dhoni back as captain

The 'Thala,' who has guided CSK to five IPL titles, will take back the reins as captain on Friday when the team faces Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai. CSK's IPL 2025 campaign has gotten off to a rough start, with the team losing four of their first five matches, leaving them in ninth place in the 10-team standings.

Fans react

Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their happiness at seeing Dhoni back as captain. However, netizens also slammed Dhoni's fans, urging them to show respect to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has sustained an injury and will not be part of the tournament.

One said, "Some Dhoni fans are happy that MS is back as captain? At least show some respect to Ruturaj Gaikwad, man. This is not the right time to celebrate."

Some Dhoni fans are happy that MS is back as captain? At least show some respect to Ruturaj Gaikwad man, this is not the right time to celebrate

〞 ???????? (@_GunRunner_) April 10, 2025

Another said, "Bittersweet news for CSK fans! MS Dhoni will return as captain from the next match. But star batter and current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out due to injury."

Bittersweet news for CSK fans!
MS Dhoni to return as captain from the next match ?
But star batter & current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out due to injury ?
Captain Cool is back, but the Prince rests#CSK #IPL2025 #Dhoni #RuturajGaikwad #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/V4ForN1BXL

〞 HK Chronicle (@HK_Chronicle_) April 10, 2025

One wrote, "When everyone thought you would retire, but you come back as captain."

When everyone thought you will retire, but you come back as a captain ??

Bhaww bhawww Army ( HaaRCB ) crying ?? https://t.co/AiBaBVwkhv

〞 Jay Prakash MSDian? (@ms_dhoni_077) April 10, 2025

Another stated, "2022: Jadeja as CSK captain 每 6 matches lost, 2 wins 每 MS Dhoni took over again. 2025: Gaikwad as captain 每 4 matches lost, 1 win 每 MS Dhoni returns... once more. Maybe CSK doesn＊t need a new captain. They just need Thala."

2022:
Jadeja as CSK captain 每 6 matches lost, 2 wins
MS Dhoni took over again.

2025:
Gaikwad as captain 每 4 matches lost, 1 win
MS Dhoni returns... once more.

Maybe CSK doesn＊t need a new captain.

They just need Thala.#MSDhoni #CSK #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/A2hME4Ywgp

〞 Aniruddh Chaubey (@AniruddhChaube1) April 10, 2025

Chennai Super Kings squad

Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni(C/WK), Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin, Matheesha Pathirana, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Nathan Ellis, Mukesh Choudhary, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Khaleel Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Shaik Rasheed, Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal, Noor Ahmad, Gurjapneet Singh, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Andre Siddarth C, Vansh Bedi

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