Mahendra Singh Dhoni quits Chennai Super Kings

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, considered to be the most successful captain in modern cricket, has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings following 16 years.

In Dhoni’s place, the leadership of the franchise has been entrusted to young Rituraj Gaikwad, who has been performing well at international and domestic levels for some time now.

The Indian Premier League said in a message on X yesterday that Mahendra Singh Dhoni has handed over the leadership of Chennai Super Kings to Rituraj Gaikwad, who has been with the franchise since 2019.

Chennai Super Kings Chief Executive Officer Kasi Viswanathan said, “Whatever Dhoni did was in the best interest of the team. I came to know regarding Dhoni’s decision just moments before the captains’ meeting. We have to respect his decision.” Should because they have their own decision.

Dhoni has led the Chennai Super Kings since the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and has held the reins of the team in all editions except for a brief stint in 2022 to Ravindra Jadeja.

He has led two franchises since the inception of the Indian Premier League as when Chennai Super Kings were banned for the 2016 and 2017 editions, a new franchise Rising Pune Supergiants was formed and led by The duties were also performed by Dhoni.

Dhoni’s team from Chennai reached the finals for four consecutive years from 2010 to 2013 and has a total of 16 finals.

Five-time franchise champion Dhoni led Chennai to the title last year as well and it was expected that Dhoni would announce his retirement on the occasion, but he said that if his health permits. So they will play next season as well.

Speculations continue that this is likely to be the last season of Dhoni’s career and at the start of the 2024 season Rituraj Gaikwad has been handed over the role to effectively transition the leadership position to a younger man. One season he might train under Dhoni’s supervision.

Even following stepping down from the leadership role and possibly retiring at the end of this season, Dhoni is expected to play an important coaching role for the team.