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- MS Dhoni Handed Over The Captaincy Baton To Ruturaj Gaikwad Ahead of IPL 2024; Ended An Illustrious Career As CSK Captain!
MS Dhoni Handed Over The Captaincy Baton To Ruturaj Gaikwad Ahead of IPL 2024; Ended An Illustrious Career As CSK Captain!
MS Dhoni's Captaincy stint has come to an end as the legendary cricketer has handed over the captaincy baton to young Indian batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite this, MS Dhoni will continue to play for CSK in IPL 2024 as a WK-batsman!
Ashutosh Nayak
March 22, 2024
Welcome to the 24th Edition of The Cricket Diaries!
Today, we delve into the remarkable journey of one of cricket's most iconic figures, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and his unforgettable legacy with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Dhoni's Stint Ends As CSK Captain:
MS Dhoni with his trophies
So, just like that, Mahendra Singh Dhoni said goodbye to something that a lot of people will spend sleepless nights hankering over. His favourite song he said was “Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon“ and he lived in the present. He realized, “The time has come, this is a good time.” So, no mega farewell, no grandstanding, it’s just a goodbye; In his own trademark style. But, he leaves behind something that can never ever be forgotten.
CSK's Inception and Early Years:
Champions of IPL 2010
Dhoni's journey with CSK began in 2008 when he was appointed as the team's captain after being acquired for $1.5 million in the auction. Despite reaching the finals in the inaugural season, CSK fell short of victory. However, in 2010, Dhoni's astute leadership propelled CSK to their maiden IPL title, scripting a remarkable turnaround from a dismal start.
Golden Era:
Champions of IPL 2011
Under Dhoni's captaincy, CSK experienced a golden period, clinching consecutive IPL titles in 2010 and 2011, becoming the first team to achieve this feat. Despite facing setbacks in 2012 and 2013, including losses in the finals, CSK's triumph in the Champions League T20 in 2014 underscored their resilience and dominance on the global stage.
Return to Glory:
Champions of IPL 2018
Following a two-year hiatus due to the match-fixing scandal (No CSK players or staff were involved), Dhoni led CSK's triumphant return to the IPL in 2018, securing their third IPL trophy. Despite facing challenges in the following years, including a disappointing campaign in 2020, Dhoni's resurgence in 2021 saw CSK reclaiming the title for the fourth time.
Champions of IPL 2021
The Fairytale Ending:
Champions of IPL 2023
By 2023, Dhoni had become a revered figure in cricket, commanding unwavering support from fans across India. In a fitting finale to his captaincy, Dhoni led CSK to their fifth IPL title in 2023, etching his name in the annals of cricketing history.
In the IPL 2023 final, CSK faced a daunting target of 215 runs. Amidst tense moments, Dhoni's leadership shone through as CSK chased down the revised target of 171 runs in a rain-curtailed match, securing their fifth title. Jadeja's decisive stroke epitomized the fairytale ending that every CSK fan had envisioned for their beloved captain, MS Dhoni.
Beyond his batting and keeping masterclass MS Dhoni is always touted as one of the greatest captains of the game. You must be wondering why!!
Well, here are the reasons.
MS Dhoni has won the joint-most number of IPL Trophies as CSK captain.
MS Dhoni has led CSK to 10 IPL finals, the most by a captain.
MS Dhoni has captained in 226 games, the most by a captain.
MS Dhoni has won 133 games in IPL, the most by a captain.
MS Dhoni has scored 523 runs in the Playoffs, the 2nd-most by a player.
With a new captain in the name of Ruturaj Gaikwad, it will be interesting to see how CSK performs in the tournament.
IPL 2024 kickstart today with the opening encounter, CSK vs RCB!!
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