CSK's first statement after MS Dhoni quits captaincy and Ruturaj Gaikwad's appointment as team's new skipper

MS Dhoni left everyone shocked with his sudden move to step down as Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) captain right ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024's opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been given the responsibility to lead CSK pack in the IPL 2024.

CSK put out a statement after the big transition and mentioned that Ruturaj has been an integral part of the franchise since 2019 and the team looks forward to the upcoming season.

CSK's statement after MS Dhoni passes captaincy reigns to Gaikwad

“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 said in their statement.

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Fans were left surprised upon seeing Ruturaj Gaikwad during captains' photoshoot ahead of the IPL 2024 opener between CSK and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22. However, it was later revealed that Dhoni has passed on the captaincy reigns to Gaikwad for the IPL 2024, which could be his last show at the glitzy league.

Dhoni's leadership has been synonymous with success. Under his captaincy, CSK dominated the IPL winning a record-equalling five titles besides Mumbai Indians. This accomplishment firmly establishes him as one of the most decorated captains in the history of the competition. Dhoni's influence extended beyond the IPL. He captained the Indian national team to two ICC Champions Trophy victories in 2010 and 2014, further solidifying his reputation as a winning leader. There was a brief stint with the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in 2016. However, the season proved challenging, with only five wins out of 14 matches. Dhoni stepped down as captain the following year, handing the reins to Australian cricketer Steve Smith.

At 42 years old, Dhoni hinted at retirement after the 2023 IPL season. He had previously handed over the CSK captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja in 2022, but later reassumed the role. With his playing days likely coming to an end, Dhoni's legacy as a captain will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.

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Let's have a look at the legacy of MS Dhoni as captain in T20s:

Most T20 matches played as a captain

322 - MS DHONI
217 - Rohit Sharma
208 - Darren Sammy

Most T20 matches won as a captain

189 - MS DHONI
132 - Rohit Sharma
104 - Darren Sammy

Most T20 Finals won by a captain

9 - MS DHONI
7 - Rohit Sharma
5 - Shoaib Malik

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