In a surprising turn of events, the legendary captain MS Dhoni has decided to step away from the leadership role at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) just before the commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
This unexpected move has paved the way for star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad to assume the captaincy responsibilities for the five-time champions CSK, a decision that has been officially co??nfirmed by the franchise o??n Thursday (March 21).
The IPL 2024 is poised to kick off on March 22 with an electrifying showdown between the defending champion CSK and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This highly anticipated clash not only signifies th?e commencement of the tournament but also heralds a new era for the CSK, with former skipper Dhoni entrusting the captaincy duties to Gaikwad. This pivotal mo??ment marks a significant transition for both the prestigious tournament and the formidable CSK franchise.
Under Dhoni’s illustrious leadership, CSK etched their name in cricketing history by clinching a record five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies. Additionally, the franchise showcased remarkable consistency by qualifying for playoffs in an impressive 12 IPL seasons and featuring in the IPL finals 10 times out of the 14 seasons they’ve participated in thus far. Dhoni’s captaincy legacy is further highlighted by his remarkable tenure, leading the side in 226 IPL matches and emerging victorious in an astounding 133 encounters, solidifying his status as one of the most successful captains in cricketing history.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan revealed that the change in leadership came as a surprise, with the announcement made just before the scheduled captain’s meeting on Thursday. He emphasized the importance of respecting Dhoni’s decision, stating that it was made in the best interest of the team. Viswanathan reiterated that it was solely Dhoni’s call to pass on the leadership role to Gaikwad, underscoring the franchise’s commitment to supporting Dhoni’s judgment and ensuring a smooth transition in leadership.
“Whatever Dhoni does, it is in the best interest of the team. I got to know of the decision just before the captains’ meeting. You have to respect his decision, it is his call,” Viswanathan was quoted as saying by the PTI.
Stephen Fleming, the head coach of CSK since 2009, emphasized that the decision to relinquish the captaincy was solely Dhoni’s.
“It was MS, with a lot of consideration and a view to the future on the back of a good last season. The timing was good. Behind the scenes, Ruturaj and others have been going through captaincy grooming courses, especially for days like this. When the opportunity comes up, MS is the best judge,” Fleming said.
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]]>As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their iconic leader, MS Dhoni.
The defending champions are set to kick off the tournament against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March?? 22 in Chennai, marking the beginning of what could potentially be a crucial season for the veter?an cricketer.
In the previous season, Dhoni admirably guided CSK to their record-equaling fifth IPL crown. However, the wicketkeeper-batter continued to struggle with his knee throughout the tournament. Following the IPL 2023 final, Dhoni opted for knee surgery, demons??trating an unwavering commitment to his recovery. Through dedicated efforts, he successfully regained fitness in time for the upcoming IPL 2024 season.
Leading CSK’s training sessions at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium these days, the venue for the IPL 2024 season opener, Dhoni embodied the spirit of resilience that has become synonymous with his illustrious career. While the Super Kings set their sights on defending their title, a cloud of speculation looms regarding Dhoni’s future plans and the potential identification of his successor as captain.
In a conversation with former CSK batter S Badrinath on his YouTube channel, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has shed light on the team’s internal discussions about a succession plan, acknowledging the possibility that the forthcoming season might be Dhoni’s last. According to Viswanathan, team owner N Srinivasan has taken a hands-off approach, leaving the decision on Dhoni’s successor to the captain and coach.
“See, there have been internal talks. But, Mr. Srinivasan has made it very clear. Let’s not talk about captain and vice-captain appointments. Let’s leave it to the coach and the captain to decide. Let them decide and convey the information to me, and then I will convey it to you all. He has said that ‘the captain and the coach will decide and give us a directive, till then let’s all keep quiet,” Viswanathan said.
Viswanathan highlighted the hope within the CSK camp for another strong showing in IPL 2024. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Dhoni has urged the team to focus on the league stage at present, signaling the captain’s intent to keep the squad grounded amidst the anticipation and speculation surrounding his potential retirement.
“We have always focused on qualifying for the knockouts. That’s our first aim. After that, it depends on the performance on that day. We are following that even now. Before every season, MS Dhoni tells us ‘first let us concentrate on league games’. We will look to qualify for the knockouts. Yes, the pressure is there. But over the years, because of our consistency, most of the players are used to this pressure,” Viswanathan concluded.
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]]>After Chennai Super Kings (CSK) played their final home game in Chennai against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing IPL 2023, CEO Kasi Viswanathan made an unexpected revelation about skipper MS Dhoni’s future in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The match ended unfavourably for the home team as they could only manage a total of 144/6 after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Shivam Dube (48 not out) and Devon Conway (30) emerged as the top scorers for CSK?, while Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy claimed two wicket??s each for KKR.
In response, Deepak Chahar quickly dismissed three top-order batters from KKR, but half-centuries from captain Nitish Rana and Rinku?? Singh guided KKR to a six-wicket victory.
Following the match, Dhoni performed a special lap of honour, expressing gratitude to all his fans for their unwavering support. This act sparked speculation as to whether it was Dhoni’s way of bidding farewell to his home fans. However, according to CSK CEO, the team believes Dhoni will continue playing beyond this season.
“We believe MS Dhoni is going to play next season as well so I hope fans will continue to support us like every time (translation from Tamil),” Viswanat??han said in a video shares the franchise of their social m??edia accounts.
A night of gratitude and infinite #Yellove #YellorukkumThanks #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/1FTdgN7Z2c
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 14, 2023
Dhoni has been batting in the No. 8 position this season, facing only a few deliveries and aiming to hit them out of the park. This approach is due to the 41-year-??old wicketkeeper-batter playing with some nagging injuries, particularly in his knee.
As CSK stands on the verge of securing a place in the playoffs, they still need a victory in their final league g??ame against Delhi Capitals (DC) to guarantee their spot in ??the IPL 2023 knockout stage. The outcome of the match will determine their fate as they strive to advance further in the tournament.
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]]>In a stunning development, MS Dhoni stepped down from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captaincy just days before the opening match of Indian Premier L??eague (IPL) 2022.
During a team meeting on Thursday, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman hand??ed over the Super Kings baton to a??ll-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
MSD captained CSK in 204 IPL matches, winning 121 and losing 82. His win percentage was 59.6 in the cash-rich tournament. Under Dhoni’s tenure, CSK won four IPL titles and clinched two Champions League T20 trophies.
In the inaugural edition of IPL, the CSK veteran had led his side to the summit clash, where they fell short against Rajasthan Royals (RR). The Super Kings won their first IPL title in 2010 and followed it with ano??ther title triumph in 2011. CSK then ??went on to seal the IPL trophies in 2018 and 2021.
Havin?g Dhoni stepping down as captain, it would be interesting to see how the franchise uses the brains of a maverick leader.
In the meantime, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has shed light upon Dhoni’s continual with the team and his future with the franchise. Viswanathan said he doesn’t believe that the 2022 edition of IPL T20 would be Dhoni’s last while pointing out that the CSK legend had thought his decision through before handing over the reins of the team.
“No, I don’t think (this is going to be his last season). He will carry on,” Viswanathan was quo?ted as saying to The Indian Express.
“We have always respected the decision of MS. He has been a pillar of strength for us. He will continue to be a pillar of strength and he will guide Jaddu (Jadeja) and the other members of the team. He is expecting a smooth transition from him to Jaddu and that’s why he has taken the decision. As a captain and player, who has always cared for CSK, he must have taken the decision in the best interest of CSK.”
Last year, during a felicitation ceremony, Dhoni had mentioned that he intends to play his last IPL match in front of CSK fans at the MA Chidambaram in Chennai??. Since all the matches of the upcoming season are scheduled in Mumbai and Pune, it is expected that Dhoni will probably return one final time next year.
CSK will begin their IPL 2022 campaign on March 26 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
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