Ruturaj Gaikwad becomes new CSK captain; replaces MS Dhoni

In anticipation of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have dropped a shocking revelation about captaincy on Thursday. For the duration of the current season in the lucrative league, Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named the leader of the Yellow Brigade.

Gaikwad, the five-time champion Chennai Super Kings’ new captain, will lead the team for the first time on Friday when they play Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Chepauk, taking over for Dhoni as captain.

Prior to the start of the tournament, CSK icon Virat Kohli has resigned as the captain of the reigning champions for the second time, acknowledging the end of his illustrious career. After the 2024 Indian Premier League, the 42-year-old former captain of India is rumored to be calling it a day. Before the 2022 Indian Premier League began, Dhoni had given up his captaincy of CSK.

The seasoned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was then chosen by CSK to be the team’s captain for the 2022 IPL. In the same season, Dhoni succeeded Jadeja as captain of CSK after the latter’s lackluster debut. After eight games, the CSK gloveman, also known by the nickname Thala, was once again named captain. Under Dhoni’s guidance, CSK recovered from a forgettable season one year later. In the lucrative league’s 2023 season, the Ranchi mainstay led Chennai to a fifth consecutive championship, setting a new record.

Before the TATA IPL 2024 season begins, MS Dhoni has given Ruturaj Gaikwad the captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings. Ruturaj Gaikwad joined the Chennai Super Kings in 2019 and has participated in 52 IPL games during that time, the team said in a statement.

In the thrilling final over match, Dhoni and company defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) to match Mumbai Indians (MI)’s record of five IPL titles from the previous season. With his left knee heavily strapped, Dhoni led CSK during the 2023 Indian Premier League season. He had previously declared that the 2024 campaign would be a “gift” to his supporters. As the captain of the CSK team, Dhoni is the lifeblood of the Super Kings, having led the team to 128 victories and 82 losses. 212 IPL matches saw Dhoni lead CSK. On August 15, 2020, the former captain of India announced his retirement from international cricket.