Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been quite a successful franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They had succeeded to make it to the final in the first season of 2008 and have since continued to reach a total of nine finals in 16 seasons which is proof of their consistency and efforts.
This was only possible because CSK has been fortunate enough to have MS Dhoni leading them for the longest period of time. His leadership and the team’s skills have helped them compete for every trophy in the tournament.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the current CSK captain. And he seems to share this strong connection with the team as well. This connection, he says, is what motivates him as captain.
Although the player is yet to win a title with this side, he has certainly struck the right string with the fans. He has been accepted as the new Chennai Super Kings captain.
This love and passion that fans show towards him gives him a direct entry into the elite list of CSK captains.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (2024-25)
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the current CSK captain, and the opening batter of the frivolous IPL side, that has won five titles, a record only matched by Mumbai Indians.
Gaikwad took over the leadership role after the OG CSK Captain MS Dhoni stepped down from the position for the second time, right before the start of IPL 2024.
Since then, Gaikwad has been filling in his shoes and looking to replicate the success that the Thala has had over the years with our beloved team.
In his first season as captain, Ruturaj Gaiwkad was not able to help Chennai Super Kings qualify for the playoffs. This was the second time in three years that CSK had failed to make it to the playoffs.
IPL 2024 saw Ruturaj Gaikwad captain the side in 14 league games, out of which they could only manage to win 7. The final game was a nail biting encounter against RCB, which they lost on the final ball, and were denied a spot in the top four.
However, his second season as captain was a rather torrid one. The team had a marvelous start to their season with a win against Mumbai Indians and after that they went to endure a long run of five losses in a row.
During this time, Gaikwad was also injured and ruled out of the tournament. Hopefully, the captain will return all fit and raring to go in the next season.
Ravindra Jadeja CSK Captaincy (2022)
| Years | Matches | Won | Lost | Tie |
| 2022 | 8 | 02 | 06 | 0 |
Everyone remembers Ravindra Jadeja’s winning shot in the 2023 IPL season, that saw Chennai Super Kings lift their fifth IPL trophy. But very few remember that horrible captaincy run that he had with the side.
Yes, Jadeja was made the captain of the side in the IPL 2022. It was a decision taken in according with MS Dhoni, who thought that it was the right time to step away from the leadership role and to cultivate a new leader.
Since Suresh Raina had already announced his retirement by that time, Jadeja became the automatic successor to the throne. But fate had other plans.
The year was 2022, and CSK was coming off a title-winning campaign. The world was recovering from the horrors of Covid and preparing for another season of IPL that would be played in India again.
Four days before the start of the season, CSK made a huge announcement, claiming that Ravindra Jadeja would be named as the team’s new captain. MS Dhoni, someone who had captained the team since 2008, decided to step down.
Hence, lo and behold: Ravindra Jadeja was suddenly the new captain of Chennai Super Kings. However, the good times didn’t last for long. In fact, for Jadeja they just never arrived.
That season, CSK endured their worst opening to a campaign by suffering 4 defeats in their opening games. In all, they suffered 6 defeats in that campaign under Jadeja’s captaincy and managed to win just 2.
Ravindra Jadeja matches as captain
- CSK vs KKR: CSK lost; Jadeja scored 26*took no wickets.
- CSK vs SuperGiants: CSK lost; Jadeja scored 17, took no wickets.
- CSK vs Kings: CSK lost; Jadeja dismissed Livingstone, scored a duck.
- CSK vs Sunrisers: CSK lost; Jadeja scored 23, took no wickets, dropped a catch.
- CSK vs RCB: CSK won; Jadeja scored a duck, took 3 wickets.
- CSK vs Titans: CSK lost, Jadeja scored 22, took 1 wicket.
- CSK vs Mumbai: CSK won, Jadeja bowled without wickets, dropped 2 catches, scored 3.
- CSK vs Kings: CSK lost; Jadeja bowled 2 overs, scored 21*.
Interestingly, Jadeja stepped down from the captain’s role halfway through the season. This rough patch had not just affected the team but was also showing on his personal performances as well.
The star all rounder was not just struggling with his batting and bowling, but was also unable to take simple catches. For someone who is known for his sharp and agile fielding, dropping dollies is a bad sign.
In the very next season, 2023, Jadeja returned to the team and played a pivotal role in their fifth title conquest. Ravindra Jadeja was the last man standing when Chennai required 10 runs from the last 2 balls. He shamed a six and a four in consecutive deliveries to redeem himself as one of the most important asset of the team.
Suresh Raina CSK Captaincy (2010-19)
| Years | Matches | Won | Lost | Tie |
| 2010-2019 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
After MS Dhoni, the only other name who has been synonymous with Chennai Super Kings’ franchise is none other than Suresh Raina.
Often known as Chinna Thala, the player was a part of the franchise from it’s inception until 2021. However, very few people know that Raina has also been the captain of the side in those years.
He became a crucial CSK team member of the team from the very first season in 2008. Impressing everyone by showing his strong left-handed batting skills, he has since served as the vice-captain at multiple occasions, taking on extra responsibilities.
As years passed, Raina became a key player for CSK. In addition to his batting prowess, Raina stepped into the leadership role on six occasions when MS Dhoni was absent. During his stint as captain, Raina led the team to two victories and also faced three losses, as well as encountering a tied match.
Raina played a big role in helping CSK win the IPL title many times. His contributions to the team have made a huge difference in the team’s success. Although the squad released him after the 2021 season, he maintained his status as a CSK legend even after that. After getting released, Raina declared that he would no longer participate in the IPL, leaving a legacy of his own.
MS Dhoni CSK Captaincy
| Years | Matches | Won | Lost | Tie/NR |
| 2008-Present | 235* | 142 | 90 | 3 |
The bond between MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is deeply woven into the very fabric of the franchise. Since joining CSK in the inaugural IPL season of 2008 for INR 6 crore, Dhoni was named the first CSK captain
Since then, he has not just led the team, but shaped its identity and culture. His calm, composed leadership and on-field acumen laid the foundation for one of the most loyal fan bases in IPL history.
Dhoni was CSK captain in 2008 and in the very first season he showed signs of greatness with the squad. The men in yellow were the first finalists of the Indian Premier League.
Although they suffered a defeat in the final against Rajasthan Royals, they managed to cement their legacy in the record books of the league for years to come.
Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK became a model of consistency, reaching the playoffs in 11 out of 13 seasons. His ability to blend youth with experience turned CSK into a powerhouse. Dhoni holds the record for most wins by a captain in IPL history—132 victories in 228 games for CSK.
The team has reached the final nine times, winning five titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023), along with two Champions League T20 trophies in 2010 and 2014.
More than the silverware, Dhoni’s greatest legacy is his influence and inspiration. He turned CSK into a symbol of pride for Chennai, championing sportsmanship, loyalty, and resilience. Even during the team’s two-year suspension, Dhoni remained the face of CSK, helping maintain its identity and spirit.
With the bat, Dhoni has contributed significantly. In 228 matches for CSK, he has scored 4853 runs at an average of 39.13, including 23 fifties. His clutch performances and cool demeanor under pressure have been crucial to CSK’s success.
As Dhoni continues his IPL journey, he remains more than just a captain—he is the heartbeat of CSK. His legacy will endure long after he steps off the field, as a symbol of leadership, unity, and the undying spirit of Chennai Super Kings.
FAQs
Who was CSK’s First IPL Captain?
MS Dhoni was appointed as the first captain of Chennai Super Kings in 2008.
In how many matches Ravindra Jadeja captained CSK?
Ravindra Jadeja only captained Chennai Super Kings in 8 games in the 2022 season of IPL, and it turned out to be not as well planned for him as well as the team, as they lost 6 games.
In how many matches Suresh Raina has captained CSK?
Despite being with the team for over a decade, Suresh Raina was only able to captain CSK in a total of 6 games and managed to win 2 out of them, with 3 losses and a tied match.
What is MS Dhoni’s winning percentage as CSK captain?
MS Dhoni has had a stupendous winning percentage of 60.42 while being with the Chennai Super Kings. He has captained the team in 235 matches over the decade and managed to win 142 games from them.
Who was the captain of CSK in 2008?
MS Dhoni was the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the inaugural IPL season in 2008.
Who is the captain of CSK in 2016?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) did not participate in the 2016 IPL season due to a two-year suspension imposed in 2015 following their involvement in the 2013 betting and spot-fixing scandal.
Who is the captain of CSK?
As of May 2025, MS Dhoni is the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. He resumed captaincy after Ruturaj Gaikwad, who started the season as captain, was ruled out due to an elbow injury sustained in April 2025.establishing a new legacy in the IPL.
Who all were CSK captains?
CSK had previously been led by MS Dhoni, with Ravindra Jadeja briefly taking on the captaincy in early 2022 before Dhoni returned to the role. Following the win in 2023 season, Dhoni gave up the captaincy and that is when Ruturaj Gaikwad was named to be the new CSK captain.
Who is the captain of Chennai Super Kings in 2023?
In the 2023 IPL season, MS Dhoni served as the captain of Chennai Super Kings, leading the team to yet another successful campaign.
Who is the captain of CSK in IPL 2022?
In IPL 2022, Ravindra Jadeja started as the CSK captain, but MS Dhoni returned to captaincy midway through the season.
