For people in Chennai, it’s all about beaches, cinema, local pride and undeniably, their own Thala – Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The 43-year-old returned as Chennai Super Kings skipper, and as he walked out for the toss at Chepauk, the crowd erupted with their energy amplified by a wave of nostalgia.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s stint as CSK captain and batter ended abruptly this season due to an elbow fracture. The Maharashtra batter sustained the injury after being struck by a Jofra Archer delivery during their game against Rajasthan Royals. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the news on Thursday, ahead of their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, what truly set the internet abuzz was the return of Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the franchise skipper. Regrettably, CSK are currently languishing second from the bottom on the points table, having secured only one win from their five outings.
For the Chennai crowd, it was pure joy to witness Dhoni return as captain after two years. The fans were already buzzing with anticipation, chanting his name with zeal. The highlight, however, came during the toss. Presenter Ravi Shastri announced Dhoni as skipper with palpable enthusiasm, even though the Kolkata captain won the toss and chose to bowl. But when Dhoni stepped forward to speak with Shastri, the stadium erupted — the roar from the crowd was deafening. Social media, too, had been eagerly awaiting this moment, with fans flooding platforms to share their excitement.
CSK winning
NGL DHONI as captain might just help them have a better win lose ratio. CSK will win today!
— Red X (@Redx_CFC) April 11, 2025
Lord
Captain my captain !!! 😭😭💛💛💛💛#CSKvsKKR #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/Svc9Z7XOL6
— somiya (@somiyas97) April 11, 2025
Dhoni speech at toss is like honey to ears !!
What a good way he explained all the loop holes that CSK has !! #IPL #IPL2025 #CSK #CSKvsKKR pic.twitter.com/7JzrI83HFW— Stump out (@Nobailsleft) April 11, 2025
Legend
Therapy
Listening to dhoni is therapy
— pri. (@highonnlife_) April 11, 2025
Thala MS Dhoni leads CSK after 683 Days today at Chepauk 💛🙇.#CSKvsKKR #KKRvsCSK #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/jGf6ubcxsJ
— Abhinav MSDian™ (@Abhinav_hariom) April 11, 2025
Hours
Dhoni ko mein ghanto sun sakta hu 🥰
— A.J. (@ajstyles511) April 11, 2025
Goat kamboj
My goat kamboj playing thankyou dhoni😭😭😭
— Aditya 🦇 (@AdityaP07443637) April 11, 2025
Dhoni becomes the captain and immediately CSK are batting first. You gotta love destiny and Thala’s luck 😭😭❤️
— ` (@FourOverthrows) April 11, 2025
Longest one
Okay….I think this is the longest toss interview of the IPL
Ravi Shastri asking EVERYTHING to MS Dhoni 😭😭😭— Skiddy (@world_choker) April 11, 2025
