IPL 2024: Ruturaj Gaikwad Replaces MS Dhoni As CSK

In a surprising turn of events, MS Dhoni has decided to step down as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) just before the IPL 2024 season. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was expected to take over the captaincy, has been confirmed as the new leader of the Yellow Army, according to the IPL website.

Dhoni, who has been at the helm of CSK since the inception of the IPL, made the decision to relinquish his captaincy just before the IPL 2022 season. Ravindra Jadeja took over the captaincy in his absence. However, CSK’s poor performances under Jadeja’s leadership led the management to request Dhoni to reconsider his decision.

CSK CEO said

CSK CEO said “I got to know of the decision just before the captains meeting. You have to respect his decision, it is his call – Whatever Dhoni does, it is in the best interest of the team”.

Speculation has been rife about Dhoni’s future in the IPL, especially since he has now turned 42. Despite looking in excellent shape during recent practice sessions, there comes a time when every player has to hang up their boots. It is now being speculated that this could be Dhoni’s last year in the IPL.

Ruturaj Gaikwad made his IPL debut in 2020 and has since played only for CSK. Over the years, he has established himself as a key player with remarkable consistency at the top, scoring 1797 runs in 52 matches at an average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 135.52. His best IPL season came in 2021, when he scored 635 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 45.35.

Gaikwad will lead CSK for the first time in their IPL 2024 opener against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.

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