Ruturaj Gaikwad, captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), recounted the moment MS Dhoni announced the captaincy transition to him just a week before the 2024 IPL season. Dhoni, who had led CSK since 2008 and won five IPL titles, reassured Gaikwad that he could make his own decisions, providing essential trust during the overwhelming experience. Under Gaikwad’s leadership, CSK finished fifth in the 2024 season, winning seven out of fourteen matches. Dhoni will enter his 18th IPL season in 2025, having played 264 matches and scored over 5,200 runs, inspiring millions in the cricketing world.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the newly appointed captain of Chennai Super Kings, opened up about the moment MS Dhoni revealed the leadership change.
Prior to the start of the 2024 IPL season, Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad, who has been part of the franchise since 2019.
During his time as CSK’s captain, Dhoni oversaw 212 matches, achieving 128 wins and 82 losses since the inception of the IPL in 2008, not counting the two years the team was suspended.
“Just a week before last year’s tournament, MS Dhoni approached me and said, ‘I won’t be leading this year—you will.’ I was stunned, asking, ‘From the first game? Are you certain?’ With only a few days to get ready, it was quite overwhelming. But he reassured me, ‘This is your team. You make your own choices. I won’t interfere—only if it’s a close call on field placements. Even then, it’s not compulsory to heed my advice. That trust was invaluable to me,” Gaikwad stated on JioHotstar.
Dhoni’s leadership with CSK began in 2008, culminating in five IPL championships. He remained loyal to the Super Kings throughout his career, aside from the team’s suspension in 2016 and 2017.
“When a vastly experienced captain is still present on the field, it can be a benefit or a burden. Some players might question, ‘Am I truly leading, or is the team still looking to the previous captain?’ However, Dhoni’s character is unique—he guarantees that the transition is smooth without overshadowing the new leader,” said former India batsman Aakash Chopra.
Under Gaikwad’s captaincy, CSK ended up fifth in the 2024 IPL season. They won seven matches and lost an equal number, narrowly missing playoff qualification due to net run rate compared to Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Dhoni is set to enter his 18th IPL season in 2025. He has participated in 264 matches, scoring 5234 runs, which include 24 half-centuries.
“We must acknowledge him for encouraging millions of fans to enjoy cricket and find inspiration. It’s due to players like him that the game has thrived over an extended period. Touch wood, let’s hope it continues for several more years,” commented South African great AB de Villiers on Dhoni’s lasting influence in the sport.