Indian icon MS Dhoni will once again captain the Chennai Super Kings following an elbow injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's elbow injury means that 43-year-old MS Dhoni will captain Chennai Super Kings for the remainder of the Indian Premier League season.

The India great gave up the role last year, after leading the franchise to a record-equalling five IPL titles (most recently in 2023), but has put to bed rumours of retirement amid a campaign in which Chennai have lost four of their opening five matches, sitting second-bottom of the table.

But Dhoni himself, who is sixth in the all-time IPL run scoring charts (5,346), has shown no signs of losing touch, averaging 51.50 at a strike rate of 153.73 so far this season.

Stephen Fleming, Chennai head coach, acknowledged that Dhoni now "can’t bat for 10 overs" due to knee problems, but does not feel that will take away from his leadership qualities.

"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 leadership wise to throw him in after nine or 10 overs."

Fleming said last week that he had "no idea" whether Dhoni was set to retire, after his parents’ attendance at Saturday's defeat to Delhi Capitals sparked rumours online.

But despite Friday's home clash with Kolkata Knight Riders being Dhoni’s 270th game in the IPL, the most of any player in the competition’s history, his appetite clearly remains.

Dhoni is one of the most revered figures in Indian cricket, retiring from international duty in 2020 having played 90 Tests, 350 ODIs and 98 T20Is.