MS Dhoni steps down as CSK captain ahead of IPL 2024, Ruturaj Gaikwad announced as replacement

MS Dhoni steps down as CSK captain ahead of IPL 2024, Ruturaj Gaikwad announced as new skipper

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has on March 21 appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as its new captain with Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepping down as the skipper after a highly successful stint.

The announcement will be a shocker for CSK fans as the IPL franchise won five IPL titles under Dhoni's captaincy and he earned the title of 'Thalaiva' (Tamil for leader). “Presenting @ChennaiIPL’s Captain – @Ruutu1331,” the IPL posted on X platform shortly after releasing a picture of all captains posing with the IPL trophy.

Presenting @ChennaiIPL's Captain - @Ruutu1331 #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/vt77cWXyBI

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— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 21, 2024

42-year-old Dhoni's decision comes a day ahead of the high-stakes opening match of IPL 2024 between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

ALSO READ | 'Thank you, Thalaiva': Netizens react to Dhoni stepping down as CSK captain

Born in 1997, Ruturaj made his debut in the IPL format in 2020, and quickly made an strong impression. He was retained by CSK in 2022 edition for Rs 6 crore.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: MS Dhoni hands over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. #WhistlePodu #Yellove

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2024

Super Kings’ captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the start of TATA 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 team looks forward to the upcoming season."

Dhoni is the most successful IPL captain with a whopping 133 wins followed by Rohit Sharma at 87.

Gaikwad, who has played six ODIs and 19 T20s for India, made his CSK debut in 2020 and has gone on to represent the five time IPL champions in 52 games.

The stylish opener had a memorable run last year, aggregating 590 runs in 16 games at an impressive strike rate of 147.50.

Dhoni is expected to retire at the end of the season and therefore the franchise felt the need for a smooth transition in Dhoni’s presence as a player, reported PTI on March 21.

Friday’s opening game will be followed by double-headers at the weekend, with 21 matches set to take place across 10 cities by April 7. BCCI is expected to soon release the remainder of the schedule now that Lok Sabha 2024 elections have been announced.