MS Dhoni has handed over Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the start of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024).
Ruturaj has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019 and has played 52 matches in IPL during this period. The right-handed opener had a memorable run last year, aggregating 590 runs in 16 games at an impressive strike rate of 147.50.
Dhoni, who has been captaining CSK ever since the inception of the tournament, decided to quit his captaincy just before the IPL 2022. Ravindra Jadeja took on the leadership duties in his absence. However, it did not last long after CSK’s torrid performances under Jadeja’s captaincy, leaving CSK management to request Dhoni to rethink his decision again.
Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Dhoni has also led CSK to two CLT20 titles in 2010 and 2014.
Dhoni is arguably India’s greatest captain under his leadership, India won the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup and a Champions Trophy as well as reaching the top of ICC Test rankings for the first time.
Defending champions, Chennai Super Kings start their IPL 2024 campaign on March 22, 2024 in the opening match of the season against Royal Challengers Bangalore at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.