MS Dhoni will lead Chennai Super Kings for the remainder of the Indian Premier League season after Ruturaj Gaikwad sustained an elbow injury.

The 43-year-old returns to captain the side he led between 2008 and 2024, taking the franchise to five IPL titles.

There has been speculation in recent days that Dhoni might retire after his parents attended Saturday’s defeat by Delhi Capitals.

But he will now take charge of a side who have lost four and won one of their opening five matches, sitting ninth in the 10-team table.

The veteran wicketkeeper is averaging 51.50 with the bat this campaign, largely thanks to three innings where he finished unbeaten, and he has two top scores of 30 at a strike-rate of 153.73.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has said that Dhoni, once known as one of the game’s great finishers, now “can’t bat for 10 overs” because of problems with his knees.

“He will gauge on the day what he can give us,” said Fleming.

“If the game’s in the balance, he will go a little bit earlier, and he backs other players when other opportunities are up.

“He’s too valuable and leadership wise to throw him in after nine or 10 overs.”