Chennai: Indian cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Thursday surprised his countless fans and followers by stepping down as the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), just a day before the new edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) begins.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed as the new captain of the side, which won a record five IPL titles along with Mumbai Indians.
Presenting @ChennaiIPLs Captain – @Ruutu1331 ??#TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/vt77cWXyBI
IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 21, 2024
MS Dhoni has handed over Chennai 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, CSK issued a statement on captaincy change.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: MS Dhoni hands over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. #WhistlePodu #Yellove
Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2024
At 42 years old, Dhoni has clinched five IPL titles as captain of CSK, including the 2023 victory over the Gujarat Titans in the final at Ahmedabads Narendra Modi Stadium.
After this win, he announced his intention to participate in IPL 2024, dispelling any speculation about his retirement.
Notably, Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, having led India to victories in the 2007 World Twenty20, the 2011 World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, a right-handed batsman recruited by CSK in the 2019 IPL auction, has exhibited exceptional form and consistency since joining the team.
His adept technical skills and composed batting approach have established him as a crucial opening batsman for the team.
During the IPL 2023 season, Gaikwads stellar performances were pivotal, as he accumulated 590 runs in 16 matches, highlighting his capability to guide the team forward in the seasons to come.
Having participated in 250 IPL matches, Dhoni has accumulated an impressive total of 5,082 runs at an average of 38.79, with 24 half-centuries to his name.
As CSK gears up to defend their title in the IPL 2024 season, commencing with a match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22 at Chepauk, the spotlight will be on Gaikwad.
Stepping into the role of captaincy, Gaikwad aims to guide the team to sustained success in the fiercely competitive environment of the IPL.
