- By Himanshu Badola
- Fri, 22 Mar 2024 09:50 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
IPL 2024: Rohit Sharma took to social media to congratulate MS Dhoni on his successful sting as the captain of Chennai Super Kings since taking over the role way back in 2008.
Dhoni, on Thursday, decided to step down as CSK's captain as the franchise announced Ruturaj Gaikwad as their new skipper ahead of their opening match of IPL 2024.
ALSO READ: Ruturaj Gaikwad 'Excited' For New Role As CSK Captain Under Dhoni's Shadow
While CSK gear up for their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rohit posted an Instagram story to pay tribute to Dhoni's captaincy legacy.
ALSO READ: Chennai Super Kings IPL 2024 Matches, Venues, Dates, Squad
The story featured both Dhoni and Rohit shaking hands with each other during the toss time ahead of an IPL match between CSK and MI.
Notably, Rohit and Dhoni stand as the two most successful captains in the history of the IPL, having led their respective sides to five titles each.
After captaining CSK to their record-equaling fifth IPL title last year, Dhoni decided to step down from the role and is expected to announce his retirement after this season.
Dhoni, who is known to be one of India's most successful captains, announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2020.
He had led the side to the T20 WC title in 2007, ODI World Cup win in 2011 and Champions Trophy title in 2013 and remains the only captain to win three ICC titles.
The former Indian skipper captained CSK in 212 IPL matches and ended up winning 128 during a long and loyal tenure of leadership.
Dhoni was expected to retire at the end of last season but the veteran decided to return for one more year to pay tribute to the fans, thanking them for a last time for all the love and support over the years.
Talking about Dhoni and Rohit, the duo was instrumental in giving birth to the most famous IPL rivalry between CSK and MI.
Both players successfully made a mark with their incredible leadership qualities and remained at the peak of their powers for the majority of the time during their stints as captains of their respective sides.
CSK won their first IPL title after defeating Mumbai in the final in 2010 whereas Rohit-led MI took revenge with multiple wins.
MI defeated CSK in the finals three times (2013, 2015, 2019) and also are ahead with 20 wins in 36 matches between both the teams when it comes to head-to-head battles.
Notably, Rohit also ended his sting as MI captain as the franchise replaced him with Hardik Pandya ahead of this season.
After their first match against RCB, CSK will lock horns with Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 26, March 31 and April 5.