IPL 2024 is all set to begin on March 22 with an encounter between the defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. With just one day remaining for the most cash rich global T20 league to kickstart, it seems Chennai Super Kings have decided to welcome their new captain replacing MS Dhoni.

Ruturaj to replace Dhoni as CSK captain?

Even before any official confirmation from the franchise, the photoshoot of nine captains of the Indian Premier League 2024 today saw a youngster representing CSK in place of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the star opening batter from Chennai Super Kings turned up for the official photoshoot.

Shikhar Dhawan, the Punjab Kings captain did not appear for the shoot as well, but his absence was well explained by the official social media platform of the Indian Premier League. In fact with the same tweet, Punjab Kings unveiled their new vice-captain Jitesh Sharma. But no such reason was given for Ruturaj Gaikwad.

The tweet says,

𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞!

The #TATAIPL is here and WE are ready to ROCK & ROLL 🎉🥳🥁

Presenting the 9 captains with PBKS being represented by vice-captain Jitesh Sharma. pic.twitter.com/v3fyo95cWI

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 21, 2024

Official confirmation from CSK

Just after the photoshoot images became viral on social media, Chennai Super Kings came up with their official statement. The statement reveals that Dhoni has handed over the responsibility to the youngster who has been a core member of the team since 2019.

MS Dhoni has handed over Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the start of TATA IPL 2024. 

Ruturaj has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019 and has played 52 matches in IPL during this period.

The team looks forward to the upcoming season.