(Cricket News) The new Rutu’Raj’ era in CSK is all set to begin from the beginning of IPL 2024, as MS Dhoni has called time to his capataincy career. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named as the new captain of the Chennai Super Kings for the IPL 2024.

The announcement was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after Gaikwad attended the pre-season captain’s conclave instead of MS Dhoni. The official confirmation from the franchise followed soon after the captain’s meet.

MS Dhoni has been one of the successful captain in the IPL alongside Rohit Sharma. MS Dhoni has led the franchise since its inception in 2008. He has led CSK to a total of 5 titles under his reign. Out of the 212 matches as CSK captain, MS has won a total of 128 games, while suffered 82 losses, with two games ending without a result.

“MS Dhoni has handed over Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the start of IPL 2024,” CSK said in a statement. “Ruturaj has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019 and has played 52 matches in IPL during this period. The team looks forward to the upcoming season.”

The change came as a surprise for everyone, and it was something that wasn’t expected. Although Dhoni in his typical side, stepped away and passed the baton. On March 4, he posted a cryptic comment on his social media handle saying, “Can’t wait for the new season and the new ‘role’. Stay tuned!” Almost two weeks later the real context and meaning of the post has been revealed.

CSK insiders say the franchise management was made aware of the change only on Thursday morning, just about an hour before the Captains Conclave. “It was a decision between MS and Flem (coach Stephen Fleming). We the management of the franchise always leave the cricketing matters to the team management and they let us know about the captaincy change this morning. We went by their decision,” Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of the CSK.

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