IPL 2024: Why CSK appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of Ravindra Jadeja? MS Dhoni Played any Part? Revealed

Riuturaj Gaikwad has been announced as the new captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the IPL 2024 season.

Dhoni, who has led the franchise to five IPL titles, has handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad as per the official CSK statement.

There have been questions regarding the appointment of Ruturaj Gaikwad. A few seasons back, Ravindra Jadeja was appointed as the CSK captain. But after a dreadful start to the season, Dhoni was reinstated as captain replacing Jadeja.

There were talks about a rift between MS Dhoni and Jadeja as well. Is it the reason why Gaikwad was considered as captain this time around? Did MS Dhoni prefer Gaikwad over Jadeja?

Did MS Dhoni-Ravindra Jadeja rift make Ruturaj Gaikwad the CSK Captain? Fact Check

The MS Dhoni-Ravindra Jadeja rift is a theory which is being speculated by the CSK fans, but that may not be the fact at all.

Chennai Super Kings released the statement that MS Dhoni has handed over the leadership duties to Ruturaj Gaikwad, hence the question arises if Jadeja was considered at all for the role.

MyKhel asked CSK if Jadeja was considered but the franchise refused to comment on that. Although Jadeja’s potential role as a captain can’t be denied, it doesn’t look like MS Dhoni’s speculated rift with Jadeja cost him the captaincy. The pair was seen happily posing for a photo after the IPL win last year, which is an indication of their friendship.

Jadeja was not considered for captaincy as his performance as captain last time was not good. CSK had a dismal IPL 2022 when they finished 9th in the season with just 8 points, and Jadeja captained eight matches that season, with just 2 wins. Hence that is likely a reason why the all-rounder was not considered.

Also, the baton for captaincy can only be sustainable for a longer period if it goes to someone younger. Ruturaj Gaikwad is just 27, which makes him a perfect candidate for captaincy. The batter has the potential as captain and has exposure to it in domestic cricket. He would also be more equipped with MS Dhoni by his side as a mentor and that must have been another reason for picking Gaikwad as the next CSK captain.