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.
While CSK faced a suspension for two seasons in 2016 and 2017, CSK has managed to qualify for the playoffs the most times (11). While in 2017 CSK captain was Steve Smith. In terms of IPL titles, they have won it five times in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Sharing the top tally position with their consistent arch-rivals Mumbai Indians who have also proven themselves by winning five total titles.
MS Dhoni, the previous and the most celebrated captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is known to have had a very special bond with the team. He was so emotionally attached to CSK that he even cried while talking about them and talked about his desire to end his career playing at their home ground in their last outing 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.
While the 27-year-old Ruturaj Gaikwad is the current CSK captain. Over the years, the list of CSK captains has included prominent names like Ravindra Jadeja, and Suresh Raina. Here’s a detailed history.
Table of Contents
- CSK Captain list
- MS Dhoni
- SK Raina
- RA Jadeja
- RD Gaikwad
- MS Dhoni (CSK 1st captain)
- MS Dhoni Batting Record as CSK Captain
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Suresh Raina
CSK Captain list
When we talk about CSK, it’s hard not to mention MS Dhoni, who has led the team in all five winning seasons. However, there are two more players who have captained the Yellow Army in this cash-rich league.
MS Dhoni
Years: 2008-2023
- Total Matches: 235
- Won Matches: 142
- Lost Matches: 90
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SK Raina
Years: 2010-2019
- Total Matches: 6
- Won Matches: 2
- Lost Matches: 3
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RA Jadeja
Years: 2022-2022
- Total Matches: 8
- Won Matches: 2
- Lost Matches: 6
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RD Gaikwad
Years: 2024-Now
- Total Matches: 14
- Won Matches: 7
- Lost Matches: 7
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Captain of CSK in 2025: After a decent run in the previous seasons Ruturaj Gaikwad is captaining CSK again.
Captain of CSK in 2024: For 2024, Ruturaj Gaikwad was named the captain of CSK.
Captain of CSK in 2023: MS Dhoni continued to captain CSK in 2023.
Captain of CSK in 2022: MS Dhoni was still the captain of CSK during IPL 2022.
Captain of CSK in 2021: MS Dhoni was again the captain of CSK in 2021.
MS Dhoni (CSK 1st captain)
The significant connection between MS Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can be easily seen in the team’s identity. Dhoni has been important in setting up the foundation of a substantial fan base for Chennai. He was able to do that by providing consistent leadership as the captain in each Indian Premier League (IPL) season and leading it to win.
His journey with the team started in 2008 itself. As in IPL 2008 the CSK captain was MS dhoni, it was when he was signed for a price of INR 6 crore. This was the beginning of a long-lasting relationship. Since then Dhoni has continued to being a most important player representing the franchise.
Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK was able to establish an outstanding record of consistency, reaching the playoffs in 11 out of 13 seasons. This phenomenal feat is proof of Dhoni’s ability to build a proper unit, focusing on young talent and bringing together a team of seasoned players and rising stars alike.
The numbers speak volumes about Dhoni’s impact as CSK captain. With 120 wins in 199 matches, Dhoni aptly holds the record for most wins by a captain in IPL history which is a significant part of the MS Dhoni IPL records. CSK has reached the IPL final a staggering nine times under his leadership, and also went on to win on five occasions—in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Dhoni led CSK to win five IPL titles and the Champions League Twenty20 twice in 2010 and 2014. He is also thus known as one of the best cricket captains and so his influence goes beyond cricket.
Beyond the trophies and accolades, Dhoni’s greatest contribution to CSK is in his ability to inspire and unite. He has transformed CSK into a symbol of pride for the city of Chennai, a team that lives the spirit of sportsmanship and astute determination. Despite the challenges, including the CSK suspension for two seasons, Dhoni’s leadership has been amazing in maintaining the team’s resilience and legacy.
MS Dhoni Batting Record as CSK Captain
In the 228 games where Dhoni played for CSK, he has shown great skills in batting by scoring a total of 4853 runs at an average of 39.13.He also managed to hit 23 half-centuries. As the team’s captain, Dhoni captained his team and won 132 times, which is the highest number of victories by a captain in the IPL. Dhoni did really well in the matches, with a total of 100 games played. Out of these, he won 14, lost 85, and one game ended in a tie. These numbers tell alot about Dhoni’s great performance and shows that CSK has been a strong and competitive team under his leadership since a long time.
As MS Dhoni continues his IPL journey, his legacy as the captain of Chennai Super Kings remains firmly cemented. He is not just a leader but an icon of the team, an inspiration for the youth, and an integral part of the entire CSK family. His leadership has shaped the course of the IPL history, and his impact on the game can be seen to continue to be felt for generations to come.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the current captain and skipper of the Chennai Super Kings during the 2025 IPL tournament and has played 66 matches for the team.
Gaikwad took over the leadership role after the OG CSK Captain MS Dhoni stepped down from the position right before the start of IPL 2024 and has continued to fill in his shoes since then.
CSK under his captaincy had an average performance with 7 wins and 7 losses and had a win-loss ratio of 1. 00. Under the leadership of Gaikwad, the team was tested to achieve a 50% pass rate, which exhibits his capacity to lead the side through rigorous tasks in the league.
Ravindra Jadeja
Captaincy is not for everyone, especially when you are tasked with leading one of the most charismatic sides in the history of the Indian Premier League. And who can tell you the best about the same than Ravindra Jadeja, the man who has experienced it firsthand recently?
The year is 2022, and CSK is 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.
Interestingly, Jadeja stepped down from the captain’s role halfway through the season. Yet his batting form dipped a bit during this time, unlike his excellent past performances. Even with this issue, the well-known Indian all-rounder has continued to be a much important part of the Chennai Super Kings.
Jadeja has been a part of Chennai Super Kings since 2012. He had started his career from Rajasthan Royals, where he was dubbed as “The Superstar” by the late RR captain Shane Warne. He was also a part of the title winning Royals side that defeated Chennai in the inaugural final of the tournament. Hence, when CSK got the chance to get their hands on the player, they paid a hefty amount of $2 Millions, around 9.8 crore rupees at that time to acquire the player’s services. And he has not let down the team since then.
Known for providing a perfect balance with both bat and ball, Jadeja remains a key asset for the team, even amidst the challenges encountered in the 2022 IPL campaign.
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.
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*.
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina is a well-known figure in the Indian cricket scene and is also a key player in the Indian Premier League who has played an important role in the success of the Chennai Super Kings. He became a crucial CSK team member with the starting of the first season in 2008. He impressed everyone by showing his strong left-handed batting skills and has since then 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’s significance in the CSK batting lineup cannot be overlooked as he has consistently contributed to their success. Even after his departure from the team following the 2021 season, Raina remains the highest run-scorer in the history of the franchise, amassing a remarkable 5529 runs in 200 games at an impressive strike rate of 138.91. His contribution includes two centuries and 38 half-centuries making him to be placed among the players with the most centuries in CSK‘s history and reflecting his consistency and ability to anchor the team’s innings.
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.
Vice Captain of CSK: The vice-captain of CSK has varied from season to season and players like Suresh Raina and others have taken on this role multiple times making them an important name to also remember.
Who is the first captain of CSK in ipl?
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 appointed as the CSK captain in 2008.
Who is the captain of CSK in 2016?
In 2016, MS Dhoni was the captain of CSK.
Who is the captain of CSK?
Ruturaj Gaikwad took over MS Dhoni and his long withstanding Chennai Super Kings captaincy, leading the team to numerous victories and establishing a new legacy in the IPL.
Who is the captain of CSK in IPL?
In the IPL, CSK is led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
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.
Who was the captain of CSK in 2017?
CSK did not play in the 2017 IPL season due to suspension which is why they did not have a captain that year.
