MS Dhoni has stepped down as CSK's captain (Twitter)
In a move as unexpected as it was characteristic of MS Dhoni's style, the legendary captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has handed over the reins of the team just on the eve of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 kick-off.
The cricket fraternity was taken by surprise when the IPL's official Twitter account posted a photo showcasing the team captains with the coveted trophy, only to reveal Ruturaj Gaikwad representing CSK, not Dhoni.
Devastation and disbelief among fans as Dhoni relinquishes captaincy
The air was thick with speculation until the IPL confirmed the baton had indeed been passed to Gaikwad, starting a new chapter for the franchise.
MS Dhoni's tenure as captain in the IPL is nothing short of legendary, with a captaincy that spanned from the league's inception in 2008 until 2023. Under his watch, Dhoni emerged as one of the best captains in the IPL, leading his team in 226 matches, with 133 wins and just 91 losses.
His strategic genius and stoic presence led to an enviable win rate of 58.84%—a record that stands unrivalled for any captain with at least 40 matches under their belt. Under his leadership, CSK clinched the IPL title five times, with their most recent victory coming just last year.
The announcement of Dhoni stepping down sent shockwaves through Twitter, with the platform becoming a virtual stadium of fans expressing their emotions and saluting the legendary skipper.
Meanwhile, it's important to recall that this is not the first time Dhoni has stepped back from captaincy; he had relinquished his role in 2022 to Ravindra Jadeja. However, CSK's performance took a hit, prompting Dhoni to reassume command mid-season.
Now, it appears Dhoni's days at the helm have drawn to a close, ending on a high note with CSK's nail-biting victory against Gujarat Titans in the last ball thriller of the 2023 final, securing their fifth title.
As the dawn of IPL 2024 approaches, with CSK set to face off against RCB in the opening match on Friday, March 22, in Chennai, all eyes will be on Ruturaj Gaikwad.
The new captain will carry the torch forward, hoping to continue the legacy of wins that has become synonymous with CSK under Dhoni's leadership.
.jpg?type=mq "Captain Pat Is HERE!")
 "Jatin")
