List of CSK Captain from IPL 2008 to 2024

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been quite successful in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They made it to the final in the first season of 2008 and have reached a total of nine finals in 16 seasons, showcasing their consistent performance. 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 arch-rivals Mumbai Indians, who have also won five titles.

MS Dhoni, the previous captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), had a very strong bond with the team. He was so emotionally attached to CSK that he even cried while talking about them and expressed his desire to end his career playing at their home ground in their last outing in the tournament.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the current CSK captain, seems to share this strong connection with the team. This deep connection 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.

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 (CSK 1st captain)

The significant connection between MS Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is apparent in the team’s identity. Dhoni has been instrumental in cultivating a substantial fan base for Chennai, consistently providing leadership as the captain in each Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

His journey with the team started in 2008, as IPL 2008 CSK captain was MS dhoni, when he was signed for a price of INR 6 crore, marking the beginning of a long-lasting relationship. Since then, Dhoni has been a prominent player representing the franchise.

Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK has established an unprecedented record of consistency, reaching the playoffs in 11 out of 13 seasons. This remarkable feat is a testament to Dhoni’s ability to build a cohesive unit, nurturing young talent and bringing together a team of seasoned veterans and rising stars.

The numbers speak volumes about Dhoni’s impact as CSK captain. With 120 wins in 199 matches, Dhoni holds the record for most wins by a captain in IPL history, a significant part of the MS Dhoni IPL records. CSK has reached the IPL final a staggering nine times under his leadership, emerging victorious on five occasions—in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Dhoni helped CSK win five IPL titles and the Champions League Twenty20 twice in 2010 and 2014. He’s known as one of the best cricket captains, and his influence goes beyond cricket.

Beyond the trophies and accolades, Dhoni’s greatest contribution to CSK lies in his ability to inspire and unite. He has transformed CSK into a symbol of pride for the city of Chennai, a team that embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and unwavering determination. Despite the challenges, including the CSK suspension for two seasons, Dhoni’s leadership has been pivotal in maintaining the team’s resilience and legacy.

MS Dhoni Batting Record as CSK Captain

In the 228 games which he played for CSK, Dhoni showed great skill in batting, scoring a total of 4853 runs at an average of 39.13, and he managed to hit 23 half-centuries. As the team’s captain, the team 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 us about Dhoni’s great performance and show that CSK has been a strong and competitive team under his leadership for 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, an inspiration, and an integral part of the CSK family. His leadership has shaped the course of IPL history, and his impact on the game will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad is the current skipper of the Chennai Super Kings during the 2024 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.

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 continues to be an essential pie­ce for the Chennai Supe­r Kings.

Jadeja has been a part of Chennai Super Kings since 2012. He had started his career at 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, a well-known figure in Indian cricket and a key player in the Indian Premier League, played an important role in the success of the Chennai Super Kings. He became a crucial CSK team member starting the first season in 2008. He showed his strong left-handed batting skills and served as the vice-captain, 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, faced three losses, and encountered a tied CSK. 

Raina’s significance in the CSK batting lineup cannot be overstated, as he 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, placing him 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 part in helping CSK win the IPL title many times. His important contributions really made a difference in the team’s success. Although the squad released him after the 2021 season, he cemented his status as a CSK legend. After getting released, Raina declared that he would no longer participate in the IPL, leaving a legacy marked by perseverance.

Vice Captain of CSK: The vice-captain of CSK varies from season to season; historically, players like Suresh Raina and others have taken on this role. However, this was the chennai super kings all captain list from 2008 to 2024.