CSK vs DC, IPL 2025: Will MS Dhoni Captain Chennai Super Kings Today Against Delhi Capitals?

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Mahendra Singh Dhoni had stepped down as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings ahead of last season's Indian Premier League (IPL), handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. But the veteran skipper, who led the team to five titles, is in line to return to the role again.

The 43-year-old MS Dhoni captained CSK in over 200 matches, having led the Chennai-based team since the inception of the league in 2008. The ace wicketkeeper was at the helm at CSK throughout his career except for a few matches in 2022 when Ravindra Jadeja replaced him in the role.

However, Dhoni took over the role again after CSK got off to a dismal start and later led the team in the 2023 season to their record-equalling fifth title. Now, there are reports of him returning to the leadership role again in match 17 of IPL 2025 at the Chepauk on Saturday (April 5).

Will MS Dhoni Captain CSK today against DC?

CSK batting coach Mike Hussey has hinted that wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is a likely option to lead the five-time champions in the game against unbeaten DC if regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad fails to recover from an elbow issue.

Gaikwad has a sore elbow having being struck during the game against Rajasthan Royals last Sunday (March 30) when a Tushar Deshpande short delivery hit him flush on the unprotected elbow, leaving him in need of immediate attention.

While Hussey did not take names, he hinted at the most possible name to step in as captain for CSK should Gaikwad not be fit enough to feature in the game against Delhi Capitals.

"I don't think we've actually thought about that [captaincy] too much. Well, I haven't thought about it too much. I'm sure Stephen Fleming [CSK head coach] and Rutu have thought about that," Hussey said at the pre-match press conference.

"But we've got some young guy coming through. He's behind the stumps. Maybe he can do a good job. I'm not sure. He's got a bit of experience in the role, so maybe he could do it. But I'm not exactly sure, to be honest."

If Dhoni does take charge and walks out for the toss on Saturday (April 5) afternoon in Chennai, it would mark his 213th IPL appearance as the captain of CSK. Overall, Dhoni has led CSK in 235 matches, having captained the side in the Champions League T20 outings as well.

In his 212 IPL matches as captain of the Chennai-based side, CSK has won 128 and lost 82. Under Dhoni's reign, the Chennai Super Kings won five titles in the IPL - 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023 - and reached the final 10 times. He also captained Rising Pune Supergiant in few matches. Here is a look at Dhoni's IPL captaincy record:

MS Dhoni IPL Captaincy Record

• Matches as Captain in IPL: 226
• Won: 133
• Lost: 91
• Tied: 0
• No Result: 2
• Winning Percentage: 59.38%

MS Dhoni Stats as Captain in IPL

• Matches: 226
• Runs: 4660
• Highest Score: 84 not out off 48 balls vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019
• Hundreds: 0
• Fifties: 22
• Sixes: 218
• Fours: 320
• Innings as Wicketkeeper: 226
• Dismissals: 167
• Catches: 128
• Stumpings: 39