(PHOTOS via CSK, IPL X)
MS Dhoni hands over CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad
During CSK’s IPL tenure, MS Dhoni served as captain, with the exception of a brief stint in 2022 when Ravindra Jadeja took over.
A day before the inaugural match of the 2024 Indian Premier League, which pits the reigning champion Chennai Super Kings against the visiting Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chepauk, Ruturaj Gaikwad was named the team’s new captain. This concludes MS Dhoni’s lengthy tenure as CSK captain, which started in the inaugural season of the competition in 2008. However, he had already resigned from the role in 2022 when Ravindra Jadeja was named captain. However, Dhoni regained control of the team after Jadeja resigned after eight games, and in 2023, CSK won the trophy for a record sixth season, drawing even with the Mumbai Indians atop the title standings.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: MS Dhoni hands over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. #WhistlePodu #Yellove
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2024
After retiring from international cricket after the 2019 World Cup, it was generally anticipated that this victory would be Dhoni’s last IPL season. However, he promised to play one more season if his body permitted it. A knee problem plagued Dhoni throughout the 2023 season, and he had surgery a few days after the championship. Earlier this month, the 42-year-old arrived in Chennai for CSK’s pre-season camp.