MS Dhoni vs Ruturaj Gaikwad – Captaincy comparison after their first IPL season

MS Dhoni became the captain of Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008. He had just led India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup as a captain and he was in high demand as a player as he went for 9.5 crore. Chennai Super Kings managed to get him and he led the side till IPL 2023.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed as the captain of CSK in IPL 2024 as he took over from MS Dhoni. He won the Orange Cap in 2021, scoring 635 runs and became an integral part of the side. The initial choice for CSK was Jadeja but he had to step down from captaincy mid-season after it took a toll on his performance. In IPL 2024 Ruturaj Gaikwad was backed by MS Dhoni to lead the side. 

MS Dhoni vs Ruturaj Gaikwad Batting Comparison – Performance in their first season as captain.

MS Dhoni vs Ruturaj Gaikwad Captaincy Comparison 

Who led CSK better in his first season as captain?

MS Dhoni has had a better impact in the first season as captain, leading his side to the Finals of IPL 2008. He then went on to win 5 titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2024)  for Chennai Super Kings as captain and won the World Cup for India in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013 making him one of the most successful captains. 

On the other hand, despite performing well with the bat in his first season as captain of Chennai Super Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad could not get the results as the team failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2024. It was a major disappointment as CSK entered IPL 2024 as the defending champions. Ruturaj Gaikwad also could not get many chances in the Indian team since then despite good performances with the bat in the IPL.