IPL 2025: MS Dhoni becomes oldest captain in league's history

MS Dhoni has scaled a new height in the match between CSK and KKR in the IPL 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, April 11. The veteran replaced Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK's skipper due to the latter's elbow fracture. In the process, Dhoni became the oldest captain in the history of the league at the age of 43 years and 278 days.

The CSK skipper improved the record he had set for himself in 2023 when he led the Chennai-based franchise at the age of 41 years and 325 days. In the 2024 season, Gaikwad was named the new CSK skipper, as the former Indian player played purely as a player.

Meanwhile, apart from him there were a few players who led their teams after the age of 39. Shane Warne is the second-oldest skipper in IPL history, as he led Rajasthan Royals at the age of 41 years and 249 days. Likewise, Adam Gilchrist led Punjab Kings at the age of 41 years and 185 days. Rahul Dravid was the skipper of the Royals when he was 40 years and 133 days old.

Sourav Ganguly led Pune Warriors India when he was aged 39 years and 316 days. South Africa's Faf du Plessis was RCB's skipper when his age was 39 years and 314 days. Unlike these captains, Dhoni was forced into captaincy due to circumstances.

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Why is MS Dhoni leading CSK ahead of Ruturaj Gaikwad?

During the match between RR and CSK in IPL 2025, Ruturaj copped a massive blow on his elbow off Jofra Archer's bowling. While the injury did not seem serious and the star batter ended up playing the matches against DC and PBKS, Gaikwad had to face some bad news.

The star player was ruled out of the entire IPL 2025 due to a hairline fracture on his elbow. As a result, the five-time champions had to name a new captain. CSK officially confirmed Dhoni to lead them for the rest of the tournament, which helped him to become the oldest captain in the league's history.