Chennai Super Kings, CSK, team has been one of the most successful franchises of IPL. MS Dhoni has been the captain and leader of the team ever since the inception from 2008. He has been the most successful captain of IPL ever, throughout his tenure. In 16 seasons of IPL, CSK played 14 and in 12 of them they reached finals and 10 times reached finals while winning 5 trophies.
Mumbai Indians team has also won 5 trophies while KKR-2, GT-1, RR-1, SRH -1, Deccan Chargers -1 won trophies in the competition. As the 17th Season is about to start on 22nd March, CSK has pulled out a surprise captain change. The team will play the opening match against RCB on home ground with a new captain.
CSK has been riding high on MS Dhoni’s shoulders for long and as he is planning his retirement, many thought he would retire as a captain. But the team management and MS Dhoni have decided to give one full season to new captain while MS Dhoni will be a part of playing team XI. MS might have thought about 2022 debacle with Ravindra Jadeja being unable to handle the pressure but he seems to be indicating that this is his one last season, for definite.
We can never say, he might agree to play as a player next season if CSK needs but for now, it would be safe to say, he is retiring post 2024. Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed as new captain and he did appear at the mandatory captains’ photoshoot with IPL trophy. CSK made it official post the release of the photo.
Well, MS Dhoni seems to be wanting one last song at the same time want the young captain to nurture his side with his presence to fall back on, if any guidance necessary. In 2023, with a bad knee, he played every match and this time, he might not play every match as impact sub rule allows him to be a floater, if needed and not be part of initial XI, every time.