IPL 2024: End of an era! MS Dhoni steps down as CSK captain ahead of the season, Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead Chennai Super Kings

IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings' talisman skipper MS Dhoni, has stepped down as the captain of the Chennai-based franchise on Thursday, March 21, just one day prior to the start of the IPL 2024 season.

The five-time IPL-winning captain dropped a bombshell as he handed CSK's captaincy baton to their 27-year-old batter, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who will be taking charge of the Super Kings' squad in the series-opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday.

In a post on X, the IPL's official handle confirmed the development, saying, "Presenting @ChennaiIPL's Captain—@Ruutu1331." Shortly after, they also released a picture of all the captains posing with the IPL trophy.

Presenting @ChennaiIPL's Captain - @Ruutu1331 #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/vt77cWXyBI

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 21, 2024

After making his CSK debut in 2020, Gaikwad — who has played six ODIs and 19 T20s for India — has donned the Yellow jersey in 52 games for the five-time IPL winners.
With a remarkable run of 590 runs at a strike rate of 147.50 in 16 games, the elegant opener had a remarkable year in 2023.

CSK also released a statement on their website saying, "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," the statement further added.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: MS Dhoni hands over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. #WhistlePodu #Yellove

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2024

It is anticipated that MS Dhoni will retire at the end of the season, and therefore the CSK franchise felt the need for a smooth transition in leadership change under Dhoni's presence as a player.