Dhoni had no hesitation to step up as captain: Chennai coach Fleming

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming said Mahendra Singh Dhoni had 'no hesitation to step up' as captain after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2025 season due to a hairline fracture of the elbow.

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Speaking to media on the eve of the must-win clash against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Chepauk on Thursday, Fleming said that there was no second thought in handing back the reins to MSD, who had previously led the side to five titles.

Under Dhoni's leadership, CSK have won five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023 and two Champions League trophies as well.

"He (Dhoni) had no hesitation to step up and help guide us out of this if we can. So that was never a doubt. We'll look at replacements. We've got some good players in the squad that have been with us a while, so we'll look from within first. But yeah, there is an opportunity to see how we can enhance the squad probably moving forward into subsequent years," Fleming said.