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Despite Chennai Super Kings (CSK) struggling at ninth place on the IPL 2025 points table, former CSK and India batter Ambati Rayudu believes that the return of MS Dhoni as captain could turn things around for the five-time champions.
Speaking in a video shared by ESPNcricinfo, Rayudu expressed optimism about Dhoni’s leadership, saying the 43-year-old legend still has what it takes to pull off a miraculous comeback for CSK.
“First of all, it’s very sad that Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the IPL,” said Rayudu. “But all the fans will definitely be extremely excited to see MS Dhoni lead CSK again. He can always pull out his magic and make CSK qualify from here. It will be one great story. I am very, very excited and I hope that he weaves his magic all over the CSK team.”
MS Dhoni, who last led CSK to their fifth IPL title in 2023, handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024. However, after a largely underwhelming stint under Gaikwad’s leadership—where CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs and won only 8 out of 19 games—the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has been reinstated as captain following Gaikwad’s elbow injury.
CSK have started their IPL 2025 campaign with just one win in five matches, raising serious concerns about their playoff chances. Yet, with Dhoni back at the helm, fans and former players alike are hopeful of a turnaround.
Dhoni has an unparalleled record as a captain in the IPL. Under his leadership, CSK have qualified for the playoffs in 12 of the 14 seasons they’ve played (excluding suspended seasons in 2016 and 2017), winning five championships in the process. His calm demeanor, tactical brilliance, and ability to extract the best from his players have earned him a legendary status in the game.
Now, CSK fans are looking toward Dhoni to once again perform what seems like the impossible—drag a struggling side into the playoffs. With the middle of the table still tightly contested, and plenty of games to go, CSK’s fate might just rest on Dhoni’s ability to inspire a resurgence.
If CSK do manage to stage a comeback under Dhoni’s leadership this season, it will only add to the folklore of a man who has made a career out of defying the odds
