MS Dhoni has handed over the captaincy duties to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024 season. It’s a big development for a variety of reasons. Not only, Chennai Super Kings clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the season opener at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, March 22, the news also mark the end of longest reign of a player serving as a captain. For the uninitiated, Dhoni has been CSK’s captain since the inception of IPL.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: MS Dhoni hands over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. #WhistlePodu #Yellove
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2024
Why It Might Not Been A Sudden Decision
There are lot of questions that arises from this big development. Not that Dhoni was going on to play in IPL forever, as he will be 43 in July, but the timing of revelation tells us that CSK must have given this decision a big thought. And the management and Dhoni himself, must have known about the development a long time ago. Had it been a sudden decision, which can never be considering it’s Dhoni we are talking about, who commands the biggest of respect both as a player and as a captain, CSK’s whole campaign might have been over before they played the 1st ball against RCB in IPL 2024 1st match.
Read More: Why Suniel Shetty Ditched KL Rahul?
Presenting @ChennaiIPL's Captain – @Ruutu1331 🙌🙌#TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/vt77cWXyBI
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 21, 2024
What To Expect From Ruturaj Gaikwad In IPL 2024?
Seeing Dhoni without the captain armband will be difficult for the most ardent fans, especially CSK’s own followers. After all, the veteran has achieved all with the franchise, winning 5 IPL titles, joint most with Mumbai Indians, and his record looks even better when you shoe in 2 Champions League titles. But Ruturaj has a good track record as a leader. Most recently, he led Team India to a historic Gold medal at the Asian Games. The 27-year-old is also coming at his peak, and appointing him as a captain will serve CSK better in the long run.
𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞!
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 21, 2024
The #TATAIPL is here and WE are ready to ROCK & ROLL 🎉🥳🥁
Presenting the 9 captains with PBKS being represented by vice-captain Jitesh Sharma. pic.twitter.com/v3fyo95cWI
CSK vs RCB Kicks Off IPL 2024 Season
The new IPL season will kick off with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and royal Challengers Bangalore. The match will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, March 22. As mentioned, Ruturaj Gaikwad will be leading CSK side, while RCB will be under Faf du Plessis’ command. Expect a topsy-turvy clash, with plenty nail-biting moments. And Expect cricket to win in the end.
