MS Dhoni steps down as CSK captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead in IPL 2024

MS Dhoni has stepped down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL season opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the five-time champions this season.

Also Read | **Unforgettable MS Dhoni moments**

Dhoni, 42, has skippered CSK since the IPL began in 2008, except for the two seasons when the franchise was suspended during the spot-fixing scandal. He had also handed over the reigns briefly to Ravindra Jadeja at the start of the 2022 season. However, MSD returned to lead the team after eight matches.

Live | Breaking: MS Dhoni Steps Down As CSK Captain | First Sports With @RuphaRamani #IPL2024https://t.co/LqRZC8itsL

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) March 21, 2024

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MS Dhoni has been the captain for most matches in IPL history, leading CSK and Rising Pune Supergiants in 226 matches - winning 133, losing 91 for a winning record of 58.84%.

Only four players have captained in more than 100 IPL matches - Dhoni, Rohit Sharma (158), Virat Kohli (143) and Gautam Gambhir (129) - with MS Dhoni the most successful of the quartet.

The bulk of Dhoni and CSK’s success has come together. Dhoni has led CSK in 212 matches, winning 128, losing 82 for a success rate of 60.37% and win-loss ratio of 1.56.

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

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

When not led by Dhoni, CSK have mustered just 3 wins from 13 matches under the leadership of Jadeja and Suresh Raina.

Also Read | MS Dhoni's records and stats

After last year’s title, it was widely expected that Dhoni would announce his farewell from IPL considering he had retired from international cricket following the 2019 World Cup. Dhoni vowed to return for at least one more season if his body allowed. Dhoni endured knee issue through the 2023 season and underwent surgery days after the final. He joined CSK's pre-season camp in Chennai earlier this month.

Gaikwad has been part of CSK squad since 2019 and has played 52 IPL matches in this period.

Gaikwad, 27, was one of the candidates to take over from Dhoni ever since he finished the 2021 IPL season with chart-topping 635 runs. He’s grown into one of CSK’s most consistent performers and run-scoring has earned him a place in the Indian team. He’s played six ODIs and 19 T20Is so far.

With 1,797 runs from 52 matches at an average of 39.06, Gaikwad is currently CSK’s seventh-highest run-getter.

Defending champions CSK’s first match of the new season is scheduled to take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 22 March when they take on RCB.