'MS Dhoni might not play all games in IPL 2024' - Chris Gayle after Ruturaj Gaikwad named as CSK captain

Legendary West Indies batter Chris Gayle has predicted that MS Dhoni might not play all games in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) after Ruturaj took over Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) captaincy. Dhoni relinquished captaincy on the eve of the IPL 2024 opener between CSK and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22.

Notably, Dhoni led CSK to their record-equalling fifth title, winning the IPL 2023 final against Gujarat Titans, then led by Hardik Pandya. It was expected that the 2023 edition would be his last season but he expressed his desire to play one more season, if his body allows. 

"He (MS Dhoni) might not play all games. There may be a little break in between for him. that's why the decision. But MSD will go well, don't worry about that," Gayle said on Jio Cinema before the IPL 2024 opener.

Also read: IPL 2024: AB de Villiers feels MS Dhoni's captaincy handover a 'huge mistake'

CSK won the IPL 2024 opener against RCB

The high-octane clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru was held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22, Friday. CSK, defending champions emerged victorious as they outclassed the opponents by six wickets. The win marked Chennai's eighth straight win over RCB at Chepauk Stadium. Moreover, the Chennai-based franchise also holds the advantage over RCB, having triumphed in 20 out of 31 encounters, while the three-time finalists have emerged victorious only 10 times, with one game ending without a result. 

Also read: IPL 2024: CSK vs RCB Match 1 Highlights: Unmissable video recap, turning points, match analysis, stats, and more

Speaking of the clash, RCB won the toss and opted to bat first. Their decision backfired as CSK restricted them to 173 runs with new addition Mustafizur Rahman claiming a four-wicket haul. Wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat was the standout batter for RCB, who scored a quick 25-ball 48 runs before being run out by MS Dhoni in the final delivery of the first innings. CSK, on the other hand, also made a dismal start during the chase. However, Impact Player Shivam Dube (34*) and Ravindra Jadeja (25*) helped CSK cross the line with eight balls to spare.