Ruturaj Gaikwad named new CSK captain for IPL 2024

• MS Dhoni steps down as CSK captain, handing over leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024.
• Gaikwad, known for his consistent batting, assumes captaincy duties with high expectations after Dhoni's illustrious tenure.
• Challenges loom for Gaikwad, including selecting his opening partner and managing his recovery from injury, as CSK gears up for the upcoming IPL season.

In a significant development, MS Dhoni has relinquished his role as captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2024 season opener, passing the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Dhoni, who has been CSK's captain since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, with a brief hiatus in 2022 when Ravindra Jadeja took over, steps down from leadership responsibilities after a distinguished tenure that included leading the team to two Champions League T20 titles and five IPL trophies.

Gaikwad, aged 27, emerges as the new captain of CSK amidst high expectations, having showcased his batting prowess and consistency in previous IPL seasons. With 1797 runs from 52 matches at an average of 39.06, Gaikwad is hailed as one of CSK's most reliable performers, making him a fitting choice for captaincy. However, he faces immediate challenges, including the decision on his opening partner and navigating through his own recovery from a finger injury, as CSK prepares to defend their title against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chepauk.