We authenticate if CSK sacked MS Dhoni from the position of their team’s captain and appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as the new leader ahead of the 2024 IPL
Before the opening match of the Indian Premier League 2024 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Chennai Super Kings announced Ruturaj Gaikwad as MS Dhoni’s successor. Fans reacted with outrage, accusing the team of removing Dhoni as captain. Furthermore, false claims about Dhoni’s dismissal spread on social media.
Was MS Dhoni sacked by CSK or did he step down from captaincy ahead of IPL 2024
In 2021, Gaikwad won the Orange Cap by scoring 635 runs in 16 matches and played a crucial part in securing CSK’s fourth title. He maintained his stellar form in the 2023 season, contributing 590 runs in 16 matches to CSK’s fifth title victory. With increased responsibilities in the 2024 IPL, CSK fans are optimistic that Ruturaj can uphold Dhoni’s legacy.
"Feels Good! It's a privilege!" – Captain Rutu ๐ฃ๏ธ๐ฆ #WhistlePodu #Yellove ๐ฆ๐ pic.twitter.com/HPyWuEajIg
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2024
Why MS Dhoni relinquished his captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad?
Upon investigation, it emerged that the claim was false. Dhoni willingly passed on the captaincy to Gaikwad, a decision the CSK CEO discovered just before the captain’s photoshoot. CSK officially announced on their website that MS Dhoni relinquished the Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the IPL 2024 began.
Ruturaj, a member of Chennai Super Kings since 2019, has participated in 52 IPL matches during this time, showcasing his pivotal role in the team. This marks only the second instance where Dhoni will not commence an IPL season as CSK skipper, the first being in IPL 2022 when Ravindra Jadeja assumed the captaincy, a position Dhoni resumed after eight matches.
What will be Dhoni’s role in the 2024 IPL?
Dhoni’s term as CSK captain, which began in the inaugural 2008 season and resulted in five trophy-winning campaigns, is coming to an end. He led CSK in 212 IPL matches, winning 128 and losing 82. On March 4, Dhoni hinted at assuming a new role in the upcoming season through a cryptic social media post. Gaikwad’s appointment underscores the importance of Dhoni’s post.
Although MS Dhoni will no longer serve as CSK’s captain, fans anticipate his continued guidance from behind the wicket and explosive performances with the bat. On social media, many fans expressed optimism that Dhoni will still play a crucial role in CSK’s 2024 campaign and lead his team to success.