When we talk about the Indian Premier League (IPL), the name Chennai Super Kings (CSK) shines brightly. CSK is one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. From their iconic yellow jersey to their massive fan base, CSK has built a legacy that is hard to match. At the heart of their success stands one man — MS Dhoni. But over the years, the CSK captaincy baton has seen a few changes. In this article, we will dive deep into the CSK captains list, explore the current and past leaders, and provide detailed information about the CSK captain list 2025.
Let’s begin this exciting journey!
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had legendary captains over the years, starting with MS Dhoni, who led them from 2008 to 2022. Ravindra Jadeja briefly captained in 2022, followed again by Dhoni, and now Ruturaj Gaikwad is leading CSK into the 2025 season. With multiple IPL titles and an unbeatable fan following, CSK’s captaincy legacy remains iconic, centered around MS Dhoni’s leadership and influence.
The Legacy of MS Dhoni: The Heartbeat of CSK
MS Dhoni, fondly known as “Thala” by CSK fans, is not just a name; it’s an emotion. Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK has won multiple IPL titles and Champions League T20 trophies. His calm demeanor, sharp cricketing brain, and unmatched finishing skills have made him a legendary figure.
- MS Dhoni Team Name: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Dhoni IPL Teams List: MS Dhoni has played for only two IPL teams — Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiant (during CSK’s suspension in 2016-2017).
- CSK 2025 Dhoni: As of 2025, Dhoni has transitioned from being the full-time captain but continues to remain associated with the team in an influential role.
Fact: MS Dhoni has captained CSK in more than 200 IPL matches, making him the most-capped captain in IPL history!
Full List of CSK Captains from 2008 to 2025
Let’s look at the CSK captain list from their inception to 2025.
Full List of CSK Captains 2025
| Captain | Years | Key Achievements |
| MS Dhoni | 2008–2022 | 4 IPL titles, 2 CLT20 titles |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2022 | Short stint, returned captaincy |
| MS Dhoni (return) | 2022 (mid-season) | Stabilized the team |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 2024–2025 | Future leader, promising |
1. MS Dhoni (2008-2022)
Dhoni was the original captain when CSK debuted in IPL 2008. Under his leadership:
- CSK reached the finals in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2021.
- CSK won the IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021.
- CSK won the Champions League T20 in 2010 and 2014.
Dhoni’s impact wasn’t just about trophies; he built a culture of trust, belief, and resilience within the squad.
2. Ravindra Jadeja (2022)
In 2022, Dhoni stepped down as captain just before the season began, handing over the reins to star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. However, after a poor start to the season and immense pressure, Jadeja returned the captaincy to Dhoni midway through the season.
- Jadeja captained for 8 matches in IPL 2022.
- Under his leadership, CSK struggled to find rhythm.
3. MS Dhoni (Return in 2022)
After Jadeja stepped down, Dhoni took over once again and tried to stabilize the team. Though CSK didn’t make the playoffs, fans were thrilled to see “Thala” leading the side once again.
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad (2024)
As Dhoni hinted at retirement, the young and dynamic opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed as CSK’s captain for IPL 2024.
- Ruturaj showed composure and leadership qualities, traits CSK always cherished.
- While CSK had a decent run, they couldn’t clinch the title.
- Dhoni played a mentor’s role, helping Ruturaj lead effectively.
5. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Confirmed for 2025)
Going into IPL 2025, CSK confirmed that Ruturaj Gaikwad would continue as their captain.
- 2025 CSK Team Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Dhoni, although no longer leading, is still an integral part of the CSK camp, guiding the youngsters.
Pro Tip: If you’re searching for “csk captain name” for 2025, it is officially Ruturaj Gaikwad!
Why MS Dhoni is Considered the Best CSK Captain Ever
Even with new captains taking charge, MS Dhoni’s legacy remains untouchable. Here are some reasons why he is regarded as the best:
- Unmatched Calmness: No matter how tense the situation, Dhoni remained ice-cool.
- Tactical Genius: His field placements, bowling changes, and tactical decisions were spot-on.
- Team Builder: He backed players like Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, and Shane Watson, helping them excel.
- Fan Connect: His loyalty to CSK built a strong emotional connect with fans.
Did You Know? Dhoni has a win percentage of over 59% as CSK captain!
Dhoni IPL Teams List
MS Dhoni’s IPL journey includes playing for just two franchises:
- Chennai Super Kings (2008-2015, 2018-2025)
- Rising Pune Supergiant (2016-2017)
During CSK’s two-year suspension (due to off-field controversies), Dhoni played for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS).
- In 2016, Dhoni captained RPS.
- In 2017, Steve Smith took over RPS captaincy.
Post-2017, Dhoni returned to CSK and led them to a fairytale IPL title in 2018!
CSK’s Future After Dhoni
Now that Ruturaj Gaikwad is at the helm, many fans wonder about CSK’s future. Let’s explore what lies ahead:
1. Young Leadership
Ruturaj brings fresh energy and modern cricketing ideas. Being mentored by Dhoni ensures that he carries forward the CSK legacy.
2. Core Team Remains Strong
With experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, and Moeen Ali around, CSK’s core remains powerful.
3. Focus on Youth
In recent auctions, CSK has invested in young Indian talents, aiming to build a strong squad for the future.
4. Dhoni’s Continued Presence
Even if he is not captaining, Dhoni remains CSK’s biggest mentor and strategic advisor.
Good News: CSK fans can still see Dhoni in yellow in 2025, playing a vital role off and on the field!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the CSK captain in 2025?
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the official CSK captain for IPL 2025.
Is MS Dhoni still playing for CSK in 2025?
Yes, MS Dhoni is still a part of CSK in 2025 but in a mentor-like role. He might play a few matches depending on fitness.
Why did Dhoni step down as CSK captain?
Dhoni wanted a smooth leadership transition, allowing younger players like Ruturaj Gaikwad to take over before retiring fully.
What is MS Dhoni’s IPL team name?
MS Dhoni’s iconic IPL team is Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
How many captains has CSK had in IPL history?
As of 2025, CSK has had 4 captains:
- MS Dhoni
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
Did MS Dhoni play for any other IPL team?
Yes, Dhoni played for Rising Pune Supergiant during 2016-2017 when CSK was suspended.
Final Thoughts
The csk captain list might see changes, but the heart of CSK will always be MS Dhoni. As we enter a new chapter with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the squad, CSK fans can rest assured that the team’s ethos remains unchanged.
The journey from Dhoni to Ruturaj marks the passing of the torch from a legend to a young leader ready to script his own success story.
Chennai Super Kings is not just a team; it’s a feeling, a family, and a symbol of consistency and excellence. And in 2025, with a perfect mix of experience and youth, CSK continues its glorious journey under the guiding spirit of “Thala” Dhoni.
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