Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans have experienced a shocking and yet emotional moment when the franchise announced Ruturaj Gaikwad as their captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. The decision to hand over the reins to Gaikwad signifies a significant shift in leadership from the iconic MS Dhoni to a promising young talent who has consistently delivered notable performances for the Super Kings.

Chennai Super Kings’ history of leadership transitions

This transition in leadership evokes memories of a similar move made in 2022 when Dhoni entrusted Ravindra Jadeja with the captaincy, albeit for a brief period. The announcement of Gaikwad as captain just before the commencement of IPL 2024 echoes the strategic approach employed by the franchise in the past. Jadeja, however, relinquished the captaincy and handed it back to Dhoni midway through the 2022 season.

Under Jadeja’s leadership, the team faced a challenging start, losing six out of their eight opening games, including the first four matches consecutively.

MS Dhoni’s captaincy legacy

Dhoni’s legacy as the most successful IPL captain is unmatched, boasting an extraordinary win percentage of 58.84 across 226 games. In contrast, Ruturaj has emerged as a standout performer since his debut in 2020, accumulating an impressive total of 1797 runs, including a century and 14 half-centuries, showcasing his potential as a future leader.

Also READ: IPL 2024: CSK appoint Ruturaj Gaikwad as their new captain; MS Dhoni to keep wickets

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s exceptional form and challenges ahead

Gaikwad’s exceptional form in the previous season further solidifies his position as a key player for CSK, having amassed 590 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 147.50. With Gaikwad at the helm, CSK will embark on their IPL 2024 journey against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the franchise, with Gaikwad poised to lead the team with his dynamic leadership and exceptional batting skills

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

No Dhoni, no Kohli, no Rohit at the toss at IPL. End of an era. A golden era.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) March 21, 2024

There will be a lot of emotion surrounding this announcement by #MSDhoni. I hope Ruturaj knew it was coming because it will take him a long time to get ready mentally to fit into those massive boots.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 21, 2024

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad forcing thala to bat at 3. We’ll be there.

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) March 21, 2024

In the ever-expanding galaxy of cricket, MS Dhoni’s legacy as CSK’s leader shines bright, akin to a supernova, illuminating the path for the franchise with unparalleled brilliance and allure. His leadership will be remembered for decades to come. Good luck Ruturaj for your new…

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 21, 2024

M S Dhoni relinquishes CSK captaincy, Ruturaj Gaikwad to fill in those mighty boots. An era of astonishing achievements passes

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 21, 2024

Thala Shows us the Rutu! 🦁💛#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/eKaUgq2Hwu

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

Could’ve easily said byebye after winning the trophy last year, but he fixed his injuries, grew his long hair back, gave away his captaincy to the most deserving youngster and is all ready to arrive, hit some sixes and enjoy the swansong. Legend, MS Dhoni. pic.twitter.com/ReZ8OuAVvl

— Siddarth Srinivas (@sidhuwrites) March 21, 2024

Classic Thala. RKO out of nowhere. Hands over captaincy to Ruturaj. Quietly. Against the run of play. With a ‘matter of fact’ reveal coming from IPL handle rather than CSK. Knowing MS, even the rest of CSK lads would’ve known only 1-2 days back. A true team man. Thala Thala Dhaan pic.twitter.com/kWHDoH8lp6

— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) March 21, 2024

now i get his secret that hides in this moment. that rare emotional outburst, those intense expressions, as if he knew in this very moment that he has had it all now, this is the peak & it’s time to pass on the legacy.

thank you mahendra singh dhoni, you’ll always be my captain! pic.twitter.com/N6OIA6jLIL

— Neeche Se Topper (@NeecheSeTopper) March 21, 2024

So happy that this was Dhoni’s final moment as a captain. Fairytale ending! pic.twitter.com/besVOZhY0O

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) March 21, 2024

People always say Dhoni cries for credit. It was so easy for him to retire last season, but he will play again this season as a player, giving all of us a sudden shock.💔

True leader.🙏 I hope Ruturaj doesn’t go Jaddu way.#MSDhoni #ChennaiSuperKings pic.twitter.com/lQUXJo4LeJ pic.twitter.com/mLnuCAo60r

— 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 (@CapXSid) March 21, 2024

We are in Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad era now, you go boy 💛 pic.twitter.com/0OtAEZlsY1

— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) March 21, 2024

I think Dhoni wanted to resign after winning the 2021 trophy only but after seeing Jadeja’s inefficiency as a leader he decided to groom Ruturaj for another year and then gave up the captaincy. What a leader man. Hats off.

— ` (@FourOverthrows) March 21, 2024

From Dhoni vs Rohit to Ruturaj vs Hardik we’ve came a long way baby

— 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐌𝐒𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐧™ (@Itzshreyas07) March 21, 2024

I hope the cameras focus on Ruturaj and what he does on the field. I want to see how he leads in MS’ presence and what decisions he takes independently.

Wishing you well Ruturaj. Big boots to fill but lead in your way! #IPL2024

— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) March 21, 2024

Also WATCH: MS Dhoni practices his trademark ‘Helicopter’ shot ahead of CSK’s opening match against RCB in IPL 2024

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