CSK Captains in IPL: From MS Dhoni to Ruturaj Gaikwad – Full List of Chennai Super Kings Skippers

Add as a preferred source on Google

CSK Captain in IPL: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is one of the most successful franchise in Indian Premier League along with Mumbai Indians (MI), having won the title five times each in 17 seasons.

The Chennai-based franchise, which won the IPL title in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023, has also reached the final 10 times so far. The franchise has also added two Champions League T20 titles to their trophy cabinet.

Unlike many other teams, only four players have led the team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. Here is a look at Chennai Super Kings' captains over the years:

Full List of CSK Captains in IPL History

1. MS Dhoni (2008-2023)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the first captain of the CSK team, led the team from the inaugural season in 2008 until 2023. There were brief periods where he was not the captain due to injury, rest, or when he voluntarily handed over the role. Dhoni has captained CSK in the most IPL matches - 226 matches.

The veteran wicketkeeper-batter holds the record for the most wins as an IPL captain with 133 victories and 91 losses. His win percentage is an impressive 58.84%. Under his leadership, CSK became one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, winning the title five times: in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.

Dhoni is known for his calm and strategic decision-making, earning him the nickname "Captain Cool." He is highly respected by his teammates and is considered a master tactician. Besides wins, Dhoni also holds the record for the most catches as a wicket-keeper in the IPL. He is also second in the list of most runs scored by a captain in the IPL.

2. Suresh Raina (2010-2019)

Raina served as the stand-in captain for CSK in a few matches when Dhoni was unavailable. The former all-rounder captained CSK in 6 matches. Under his captaincy, CSK won 2 matches, lost 3, and one match was tied. His win percentage as captain is 33.33%. Raina, a key player for CSK throughout his career and a trusted lieutenant to Dhoni, stepped up to lead the side whenever required.

3. Ravindra Jadeja (2022)

Jadeja was appointed as the full time captain of Chennai Super Kings at the beginning of the IPL 2022 season. The star all-rounder, however, led the team in only 8 matches. The team struggled under his captaincy, winning only 2 matches and losing 6. His win percentage as captain is 25%.

Following a series of poor results, Jadeja stepped down from the captaincy mid-season, and MS Dhoni was reappointed as the captain for the remainder of IPL 2022. Dhoni carried forward in the role even in the 2023 season to help CSK win their record-equalling fifth IPL title.

4. Ruturaj Gaikwad (2024-Present)

Gaikwad was named the captain of Chennai Super Kings before the start of the IPL 2024 season, marking a significant leadership transition for the franchise, taking over from the title-winning skipper Dhoni.

In the IPL 2024 season, Gaikwad captained CSK in 14 matches. Under his leadership in 2024, CSK won 7 matches and lost 7. The team finished fifth on the points table and missed out on the playoffs due to a lower net run rate. The Maharashtra star has been retained as the captain for the IPL 2025 season, winning one in three matches so far.