Chennai Super Kings fans received surprising news just a day before their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. With regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the tournament due to an elbow fracture, MS Dhoni has stepped in to lead the side once again in IPL 2025.
The injury occurred during a match against Rajasthan Royals on March 30, where Gaikwad took a blow to his elbow while facing pacer Tushar Deshpande.
CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that Dhoni would be taking over captaincy duties for the remainder of the season.
STAY UPDATED WITH TSN: Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
How old is MS Dhoni as captain this season?
At the time of CSK's fixture against KKR in 2025, Dhoni is set to take the field as captain at an astonishing age of 43 years, making him the oldest to ever lead an IPL side.
This is not the first time he has broken that record either. Back in the IPL 2023 final against Gujarat Titans, Dhoni had already surpassed Shane Warne’s long-standing record by captaining CSK at 41 years and 325 days.
Who held the record before MS Dhoni?
Shane Warne was the original elder statesman of IPL captaincy. The Australian legend led Rajasthan Royals in the league’s early years, captaining them for the final time in 2011 at 41 years and 249 days. His record lasted for more than a decade.
Following Warne were the likes of Adam Gilchrist and Rahul Dravid, both of whom continued leading their teams well into their 40s.
Gilchrist captained Punjab Kings in 2013 when he was 41 years and 185 days old, while Dravid led Rajasthan Royals at 40 years and 133 days that same year.
Can Mumbai Indians reclaim their glory in IPL 2025? PREDICT and win WELCOME BONUS upto INR 20,000
Who are the oldest captains in IPL history?
Here is a look at the oldest captains in IPL history:
| Age | Captain | Team & Match |
|---|---|---|
| 43 years 278 days | MS Dhoni | CSK vs KKR, 11 Apr 2025 |
| 41 years 325 days | MS Dhoni | CSK vs GT, 28 May 2023 |
| 41 years 249 days | Shane Warne | RR vs MI, 20 May 2011 |
| 41 years 185 days | Adam Gilchrist | PBKS vs MI, 18 May 2013 |
| 40 years 133 days | Rahul Dravid | RR vs MI, 24 May 2013 |
| 39 years 316 days | Sourav Ganguly | PWI vs KKR, 19 May 2012 |
| 39 years 314 days | Faf du Plessis | RCB vs RR, 22 May 2024 |
CRICKET CASHBACK: Click here to earn 10% cashback up to INR 20,000 weekly when you bet with Dafabet