Dhoni Steps Down, Young Gun Ruturaj Gaikwad Takes Over CSK Captaincy

New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings fans are in for a surprise as the team undergoes a major leadership change just before the start of IPL 2024. MS Dhoni has relinquished the captaincy, paving the way for young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead the side.

This decision comes as a blow to CSK fans ahead of the 17th IPL season kicking off on March 22nd. The team’s first match is against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Dhoni’s leadership proved successful last season, guiding CSK to victory against Gujarat Giants in the final. However, this isn’t his first time stepping down. In IPL 2022, the team experimented with Ravindra Jadeja as captain.

Unfortunately, Jadeja’s captaincy stint proved short-lived. The team faced significant setbacks in the league stage, prompting Jadeja’s mid-season departure and resignation from captaincy. Dhoni then returned to lead CSK to their fifth IPL title.

Chennai Super Kings have now confirmed the 27-year-old Ruturaj Gaikwad, who joined the team in 2019, as their new captain. Gaikwad has amassed 1797 runs in 52 IPL matches, including a century and 14 half-centuries. Last season, the Pune batsman played a pivotal role in CSK’s championship run, scoring 590 runs in 16 matches.

All eyes will be on Gaikwad as he takes on the mantle of leadership. Can he fill the void left by Dhoni and continue CSK’s winning legacy?