MS Dhoni Steps Down, Ruturaj Gaikwad New CSK Captain
There's big news from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp as MS Dhoni has decided to step aside from his role as captain, handing over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad for IPL 2024. This announcement comes just before the IPL kicks off, with CSK facing Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening match at Chepauk on Friday.
This isn't the first time Dhoni has given up the captain's armband. He did the same back in 2022, passing it to Ravindra Jadeja, only to reclaim it later due to CSK's tough start. Now, it seems like this move might mark the end of Dhoni's remarkable tenure as captain.
Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2022 but continues to shine in the IPL, has been a constant presence since the tournament's inception in 2008. While other captains came and went, Dhoni stood tall as a pillar of consistency. Now, at 42, as he prepares for his final IPL season, it truly feels like the end of an era.
With 235 matches under his belt as captain, Dhoni leaves a remarkable legacy. He led CSK to five IPL titles – in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023 – along with two Champions League titles. Under his leadership, CSK made it to the playoffs five seasons in a row since 2011. Even after their return in 2018 following a ban, Dhoni kept the winning streak alive until 2020.
CSK expressed their sentiments, stating, “MS Dhoni has passed on the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings to Ruturaj Gaikwad before IPL 2024. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019, playing 52 matches in the IPL during this time. The team eagerly anticipates Gaikwad's leadership in the upcoming season.”
Dhoni's decision to return for another year after IPL 2023, following knee surgery, was cheered by fans. Now, it seems like this season will truly be his last hurrah. Fans can expect Dhoni to take them on a nostalgia trip with his signature long shots and impressive gameplay.
Now, the spotlight turns to Gaikwad, who has been a key player for CSK. With 1797 runs from 52 matches, an average of 39.06, and a strike rate of 135.52, Gaikwad has proven himself as a reliable batsman. His standout performance of 635 runs in IPL 2021 earned him the Orange Cap. While he has captained Maharashtra in other tournaments, leading CSK in the IPL will be his biggest challenge yet.
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