MS Dhoni, the legendary ‘Thala’ of Chennai Super Kings, wrote fresh history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as he came back to captain the team in their encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk. With CSK’s first-choice captain Ruturaj Gaikwad being out for the season following a hairline fracture on his elbow, captaincy duties by default fell once again on Dhoni — an IPL-winning five-time captain.
First ‘Uncapped’ Player to Lead in IPL
Though one of the most experienced cricketers in the history of the tournament, Dhoni attached an unexpected label to his name this season — that of an ‘uncapped’ player. This follows the introduction of a new rule by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) before IPL 2025.
According to the new guidelines, players who have not played for India at the international level in the last five years are now officially considered ‘uncapped.’ MS Dhoni, who has not played for India since 2019, comes under this category and, hence, becomes the first uncapped player in the history of the IPL to lead a franchise.
Oldest Captain in IPL History
Dhoni also shattered another of his records when he became the oldest captain in IPL history. At the age of 43, he broke his own record set during IPL 2023 when he was CSK’s captain at 41 years and 325 days.
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed Dhoni didn’t hesitate to come forward as captain once Gaikwad was out.
“He had no hesitation to step up and assist us in getting out of this if we can,” Fleming said. “So that was never a doubt.
He also indicated that the team could look at internal options to reinforce the team, but he recognized Dhoni’s leadership as a big positive going forward.
“We’ll consider replacements. We’ve got some good players in the squad who have been with us for a while, so we’ll consider from within first.”
Dhoni’s return to captaincy gives CSK a familiar spark as they seek to find their momentum this season.
