#csk captain

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.

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

CSK Captain in 2026: Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK Captain

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.

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.

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.

When Was Jadeja Appointed Captain?

Jadeja was named CSK captain in 2008 when 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.

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.

MS Dhoni CSK Captaincy Record

The CSK captain list from 2008 to 2025, can never be complete without the mention of MS Dhoni. He was the first captain of CSK, appointed in IPL 2008 and has led the franchise through its most defining seasons.

IPL 2010 — First CSK IPL Title

Under MS Dhoni CSK captaincy, Chennai Super Kings won their first IPL title in 2010. The CSK first captain led a balanced side that peaked at the right time and defeated Mumbai Indians in the final. This victory established Dhoni at the top of the CSK captain list and confirmed CSK as a serious championship force in the league.

Conclusion

From the very beginning of the IPL in 2008 to the transition phase in 2026, the journey of Chennai Super Kings captaincy has been filled with leadership, legacy, and unforgettable moments. While MS Dhoni remains the face of CSK’s golden era, players like Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Suresh Raina have also played important leadership roles during different phases of the franchise.

The CSK captain list from 2008 to 2026 reflects how the team successfully balanced experience, loyalty, and future planning while maintaining its identity as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. Whether it was Dhoni’s calm finishing touch, Jadeja’s transition period, or Ruturaj’s new-generation leadership, every captain added a unique chapter to CSK’s story.

IPL 2022: New season, new teams, new possibilities

महेंद्र सिंह धोनी ने अपने फैसले से चौंकाया, रविंद्र जडेजा बने चेन्नई सुपर किंग्स के कप्तान

चेन्नई: महेंद्र सिंह धोनी ने एक बार फिर अपने फैसले से चौंका दिया है। धोनी ने चेन्नई सुपर किंग्स की कप्तानी छोड़ने का ऐलान किया है। उन्होंने रविंद्र जडेजा को कप्तानी सौंपी है। जडेजा काफी समय से चेन्नई की टीम के साथ हैं। वह साल 2012 से चेन्नई की टीम में खेल रहे हैं। वह चेन्नई की कप्तानी करने वाले सिर्फ तीसरे खिलाड़ी हैं। इससे पहले धोनी और सुरेश रैना टीम की कमान संभाल चुके हैं। चेन्नई सुपर किंग्स के…