IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings appoint Ruturaj Gaikwad as new skipper replacing MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni & Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: X/Twitter)

Ahead of the opening fixture of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) 2024 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), CSK have announced a change in their captaincy. Legendary skipper MS Dhoni has stepped down from his position handing over the captaincy responsibilities to opener Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Notably, ahead of the season, Dhoni had posted an update on his Facebook account that he will be seen in a new role in the upcoming edition of the tournament. “Can’t wait for the new season and the new ‘role’. Stay tuned!,” wrote Dhoni on his Facebook account on March 04.

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The official Twitter handle of CSK shared the shocking announcement with fans sharing the image of Ruturaj Gaikwad with the caption, “OFFICIAL STATEMENT: MS Dhoni hands over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.”

Notably, Dhoni is the joint-most successful captain in the history of IPL having led CSK to five IPL titles in 16 seasons. The wicketkeeper-batter temporarily gave up his leadership role ahead of the 2022 season as Ravindra Jadeja was handed over the responsibility. However, he was re-appointed as the captain midway through the season after CSK suffered a string of losses.

The Ranchi-born cricketer led CSK to five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. The upcoming season is expected to be the last one of the 42-year-old cricketer and he will be eager to finish it off in style by winning another title for his side.

Ruturaj Gaikwad has played 52 matches for CSK

Meanwhile, Gaikwad has been a part of CSK since 2019 and the 27-year-old has risen through the ranks to be touted as one of the rising stars of IPL. In the 52 matches played in his IPL career, the right-handed batter has scored 1797 runs at an average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 135.52 with one hundred and 14 fifties.

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The right-handed batter was also the Orange Cap holder of the 2021 season scoring 635 runs from 16 matches at an average of 45.35 and a strike rate of 136.26 with one hundred and four fifties. In the upcoming season, Gaikwad will have massive shoes to fill as he’s set to replace one of the faces of the T20 extravaganza.