MS Dhoni steps down as Chennai Super Kings captain

Dhoni, the iconic captain of the franchise, is handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad for 2024

Nick Friend | 21/03/2024 at 10:43

India legend MS Dhoni has stepped down as Chennai Super Kings captain a day out from the start of the Indian Premier League, which begins on Friday.

Dhoni, the iconic captain of the franchise, is handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad for 2024.

The 42-year-old wicketkeeper hasn't played since the last edition but is set to continue playing for the franchise this season.

He previously resigned as captain ahead of 2022, giving the role to Ravindra Jadeja, but Dhoni took back over when the India allrounder stepped down midway through CSK's campaign. From CSK's first match in the competition on April 19, 2008, he has been almost permanently in charge.

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^{Ruturaj Gaikwad is CSK's new captain (Punit Paranjpe/AFP via Getty Images)}

Dhoni did spend two seasons away from Chennai, playing for Rising Pune Super Giant while CSK were serving a two-year suspension on corruption charges, but he returned to his careerlong franchise upon their return.

He was the first player to the landmark of 250 IPL appearances, reaching that figure in 2023, the year in which he led CSK to his – and their – fifth title. He was also in charge for two Champions League wins in 2010 and 2014.

Gaikwad, 27, has played 52 times for CSK so far. A statement from the franchise described hm as "an integral part of Chennai Super Kings".

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