‘RKO out of nowhere’ - Netizens react as 'Classic Thala' MS Dhoni passes on the captaincy baton ahead of IPL 2024

A major announcement took the cricket fraternity by storm as Chennai Super Kings announced that star batter Rurutaj Gaikwad will be leading the side in the 17th edition of the IPL (Indian Premier League) instead of their regular skipper MS Dhoni. 

The announcement was well received by the fans on social media, unlike star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who received a lot of criticism from the fans after he was announced as the new skipper of Mumbai Indians, replacing Rohit Sharma. 

It is worth noting that Ruturaj Gaikwad has played 52 IPL games so far in his career and scored 1797 runs, with an average of 39.07. He has also slammed a century with 14 half-centuries, with his highest IPL score being 101* runs. The right-handed batter has been exceptional with the bat at times, and the fans are lying in wait to see how the youngster leads one of the most successful sides in the tournament’s history.

CSK aim to go for sixth IPL title

Speaking of Chennai Super Kings, the side put in a magnificent performance in the 16th edition of the IPL. Led by MS Dhoni, CSK defeated Gujarat Titans in the summit clash of the tournament in 2023, and managed to win the title as well. 

Chennai dominated the entirety of the tournament, becoming the first side to reach the final of the tournament after defeating Gujarat in the Qualifier. Furthermore, the side doubled it up by defeating the Hardik Pandya-led side once again in the final. 

With the advent of the IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings will begin their campaign by taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the season opener of the tournament. Both sides will face off at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22.

Here's how X reacted to Gaikwad's appointment: