Image Source: BCCI
[Saba Sports News] On the eve of the highly anticipated IPL 2024 curtain-raiser, which features the powerhouse Chennai Super Kings against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai, a significant announcement sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.
CSK stunned fans by announcing that the captaincy baton would be passed from the iconic MS Dhoni to Ruturaj Gaikwad, effective immediately. This unexpected move surprised many, as it was widely assumed that the upcoming season would mark Dhoni’s final stint leading the Yellow and Gold brigade, aiming for a record-equalling fifth IPL title.
Reflecting on Dhoni’s illustrious legacy in the IPL, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who was part of CSK during the 2015 season, but did not get a chance to play, expressed admiration for Dhoni’s leadership. Pathan also extended best wishes to Ruturaj Gaikwad, the newly appointed skipper of CSK.
“In the vast universe of cricket, MS Dhoni’s leadership for CSK shines brightly, akin to a supernova, guiding the franchise with unmatched brilliance and allure. His leadership will be revered for generations to come. Best wishes to Ruturaj for his new role as CSK’s leader,” Pathan shared.
Gaikwad, chosen as Dhoni’s successor, has represented India in six ODIs and 19 T20Is. He made his CSK debut in 2020 and has since played 52 matches, amassing 1797 runs at impressive strike and average rates of 139.57 and 39.07, respectively. Gaikwad claimed the Orange Cap in the 2021 season with 635 runs and was retained by CSK for INR 6 crore ahead of the 2022 edition.
The highly anticipated opening match of the seventeenth IPL edition will witness CSK facing RCB on March 22 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.