Whenever the conversation around CSK captaincy begins, one name inevitably dominates it: MS Dhoni. Appointed as the first captain of Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, Dhoni shaped the franchise’s leadership identity and led them to multiple title triumphs.
Over time, however, the CSK captaincy list has evolved, with Ravindra Jadeja and Ruturaj Gaikwad stepping into the role during different phases. With leadership transitions marking new chapters, it becomes important to look at the complete CSK captain list from 2008 to 2025 and understand how each captain influenced the franchise’s journey.
Who Was the First Captain of CSK?
MS Dhoni was appointed as the first captain of Chennai Super Kings ahead of the inaugural IPL season in 2008. He was coming off as the winning captain of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Hence all eyes were on him.
That’s why the franchise secured him during the player auction and immediately entrusted him with leadership responsibilities. Dhoni led CSK in their very first IPL match and guided the team to the final in the 2008 season. Although they finished runners-up that year, the campaign established CSK as one of the most competitive sides in the league.
From then onward, Dhoni remained the central figure in the CSK captaincy list. Under his leadership, the franchise built a reputation for stability, playoff consistency, and title contention. The team qualified for the knockouts, or later playoffs on 11 different occasions. Out of which, they won 4 IPL Titles, and were runners-up on 4 occasions as well.
Complete CSK Captain List (2008–2025)
Since their debut season in 2008, Chennai Super Kings have had remarkably few leaders. Captaincy stability has been one of the franchise’s defining traits. Below is the complete CSK captain list from IPL 2008 to 2025.
| Season(s) | Captain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2015 | MS Dhoni | First captain; led team from inception |
| 2016–2017 | — | CSK suspended from IPL |
| 2018–2021 | MS Dhoni | Returned as captain after suspension |
| 2022 (First Half) | Ravindra Jadeja | Appointed before season |
| 2022 (Second Half) | MS Dhoni | Resumed captaincy mid-season |
| 2023 | MS Dhoni | Led CSK to fifth IPL title |
| 2024 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Took over before season |
| 2025 | MS Dhoni* | Resumed role following Gaikwad’s injury |
How Many Captains Has CSK Had?
CSK have had three primary captains in their IPL history:
- MS Dhoni
- Suresh Raina (Interim)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
While Dhoni has led the franchise for the majority of seasons, Jadeja and Gaikwad captained during transition phases.
Quick Summary
- First CSK Captain (2008): MS Dhoni
- Most Successful CSK Captain: MS Dhoni
- CSK Captain in 2022: Ravindra Jadeja (start), MS Dhoni (mid-season onward)
- CSK Captain in 2024: Ruturaj Gaikwad
- CSK Captain in 2025: MS Dhoni (season update dependent)
Ravindra Jadeja CSK Captaincy (2022)
Ravindra Jadeja was appointed captain of Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2022 season. The franchise announced the decision just days before the tournament began, marking the first planned leadership transition since 2008. Jadeja became only the second player in the CSK captain list to lead the side in a full IPL season.
Why Was Jadeja Appointed Captain?
CSK management signaled a gradual transition from MS Dhoni’s long-standing leadership. Jadeja had been a core member of the squad for years and served as vice-captain in previous seasons. The appointment reflected succession planning rather than a sudden change. However, things didn’t go to plan, as the team’s performance took an impact immediately.
| Season | Matches | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | 2 | 6 |
CSK endured their worst start to a campaign in their IPL history. The team lost four consecutive matches at the start of the season. Jadeja did manage to win 2 games for his side, but midway through the campaign he stepped down from captaincy, and MS Dhoni resumed leadership.
Mid-Season Captaincy Change
After eight matches under Jadeja, CSK reinstated Dhoni as captain. The franchise described the move as a way to allow Jadeja to focus on his individual performance. The change highlighted how rare leadership instability has been in CSK’s history.
Although the 2022 season did not go as planned, Jadeja remained an integral part of the squad in subsequent campaigns.
Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK Captain (2024–)
Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed captain of Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2024 season. The decision marked a clear long-term leadership transition after years of MS Dhoni’s dominance at the helm.
Gaikwad became the third player in the CSK captain list to officially lead the franchise in the IPL.
Why Did CSK Appoint Ruturaj Gaikwad?
CSK signaled a forward-looking approach by handing over captaincy before the start of the 2024 campaign. Gaikwad had already established himself as a consistent top-order batter and a calm presence within the squad.
The move suggested planned succession rather than reactive change.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Captaincy Record
| Season | Matches | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 | 7 | 7 |
In his first season as captain, CSK narrowly missed out on a playoff qualification spot. The team finished level on wins but fell short on net run rate in the final league stage standings.
The 2024 season represented a transition phase for CSK, blending experienced players with emerging talent under Gaikwad’s leadership.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Leadership Style and Transition Phase
Unlike the sudden shift in 2022, Gaikwad’s appointment was positioned as a structured handover. Dhoni remained part of the squad, ensuring continuity in team culture.
Gaikwad’s tenure reflects the next chapter in CSK’s captaincy history — one that balances legacy with renewal.
Suresh Raina CSK Captaincy
Suresh Raina served as a stand-in captain for Chennai Super Kings when MS Dhoni was unavailable due to injury or rest. Often referred to by fans as “Chinna Thala,” Raina was CSK’s long-time vice-captain and one of the franchise’s most influential players from the first IPL season in 2008 through his later years with the team.
When Did Suresh Raina Captain CSK?
Raina captained CSK in a handful of matches between 2010 and 2019, stepping in when Dhoni missed games. One of the earliest instances came in 2010, when Dhoni dealt with an elbow injury and Raina took charge for select matches. He also filled in during later seasons, including a 2019 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad when Dhoni was not leading on-field.
Raina’s Role in the CSK Captaincy List
Raina’s captaincy is best understood as a temporary leadership role, rather than a full-season appointment. However, it still matters in a comprehensive CSK captaincy list because it shows how CSK handled leadership continuity during Dhoni’s absence.
Why Raina’s Captaincy Segment Matters
- He was CSK’s most consistent on-field deputy across multiple seasons.
- He provided leadership stability during Dhoni’s absences.
- His stand-in captaincy strengthens the “few leaders” identity of CSK.
