• Source:JND
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The newest edition of the Indian Premier League is set to get underway on Friday with the tournament opener between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers (RCB) in Chennai. But before the curtain-raiser clash, MS Dhoni shook the world with his decision to quit CSK's captaincy on the eve of the tournament and handed the baton to youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Gaikwad, the attacking opening batter, made himself a household name with his consistent run for CSK since making his debut in the 2020 season. His IPL performance handed him a place in the Indian team but his leadership skills are yet to be tested.

Under Dhoni's staunch captaincy stint, CSK lifted five IPL titles, matching with Mumbai Indians. The wicketkeeper-batter remained the heart and soul of the franchise since its inception and played a pivotal role in the team's success in the tournament.

Speculated to play his final IPL season, Dhoni is back with his vintage long-hair look as he gears up for the marquee annual event. The 42-year-old, who is known for his surprising and unconventional on-field decisions, will surely share his leadership knowledge with Gaikwad and continue to have a say in field placements and bowling changes.

ALSO READ: CSK vs RCB Live Streaming On OTT Platform And TV Channel

MS Dhoni IPL Captaincy Records

Dhoni is the most successful captain in the IPL with 133 wins in 226 matches from 2008 to 2023. Apart from multiple IPL trophies, he also led CSK to two Champions Trophy triumphs in 2010 and 2014. He is the only skipper in the cash-rich league to have 100 or more wins under his name.

MS Dhoni Record As CSK Captain

He led the franchise from 2008 to the last edition, barring short-term leadership change in the 2022 season when Ravindra Jadeja was appointed the captain. Dhoni captained CSK in 212 matches and registered victories in 128 games including five IPL titles. He made CSK one of the strongest title contenders in the tournament. Despite calling time on his international career in 2020, he continued to play in the IPL and donned the captain's hat.

With the sixth title in mind, Dhoni will look to bid adieu to his IPL career with the famous enigmatic smile in the summit clash.

American poet Sara Teasdale's 'Falling Star' perfectly sums up Dhoni's IPL captaincy role.

"I saw a star slide down the sky,
Blinding the north as it went by,
Too burning and too quick to hold,
Too lovely to be bought or sold,
Good only to make wishes on
And then forever to be gone."

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