Chennai Super Kings have had only four captains in their entire IPL history. MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are the only names on the CSK captain list. This is remarkable because most IPL franchises have changed captains many times over the years. CSK’s leadership stability is one of the biggest reasons behind their success.
In this article, you will learn about every CSK captain, their records, trophy wins, and how each leader contributed to the franchise. You will also understand why CSK has trusted so few captains and what the future looks like under Ruturaj Gaikwad.
CSK Captain List (2008–2026)
Chennai Super Kings have played 16 IPL seasons since 2008. The franchise was suspended for two seasons (2016 and 2017) due to a spot-fixing scandal. During that time, CSK players played for Rising Pune Supergiant. But whenever CSK has been on the field, they have had very few leaders.
The complete CSK captain list includes:
| Season(s) | Captain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2015 | MS Dhoni | First captain; built the franchise from scratch |
| 2016–2017 | — | CSK suspended from IPL |
| 2018–2021 | MS Dhoni | Returned after suspension; continued dominance |
| 2022 (First Half) | Ravindra Jadeja | Appointed before the season |
| 2022 (Second Half) | MS Dhoni | Resumed captaincy midway |
| 2023 | MS Dhoni | Led CSK to fifth IPL title |
| 2024 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Took over before the season |
| 2025 | MS Dhoni | Resumed after Gaikwad’s injury |
| 2026 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Full-time captain again |
CSK Captain List Table
Here is a complete comparison of all CSK captains with their records:
| Captain | Seasons | Matches | Wins | Losses | Win % | IPL Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 2008–2023, 2025 | 244 | 145 | 96 | 59.42% | 5 |
| Suresh Raina | 2010–2019 (Stand-in) | 6 | 2 | 3 | ~33.3% | 0 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2022 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 25% | 0 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 2024, 2026–Present | 27+ | 14 | 18+ | Ongoing | 0 |
MS Dhoni’s numbers are the most impressive. He has led CSK in 244 matches, winning 145 and losing 96, with a win percentage of 59.42. No other captain comes close to these numbers.
Current Captain of Chennai Super Kings
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the current captain of Chennai Super Kings for the 2026 IPL season. He was first appointed captain before the 2024 season, taking over from MS Dhoni. Gaikwad is a young, talented opening batsman who has been with CSK since 2020.
Gaikwad’s appointment was part of a planned leadership transition. CSK management wanted to build for the future while Dhoni was still around to guide the new captain. In 2024, Gaikwad led the team to a fifth-place finish. In 2025, he captained only five matches before an elbow injury ended his season. MS Dhoni took over for the rest of that season.
For IPL 2026, Gaikwad is back as the full-time captain. Head coach Stephen Fleming has said that Gaikwad is still learning and that the transition will take time.
First Captain of Chennai Super Kings
MS Dhoni was the first captain of Chennai Super Kings. He was appointed ahead of the inaugural IPL season in 2008. The franchise bought Dhoni for INR 9.5 crore in the first IPL auction. At that time, Dhoni had just led India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup. He was the obvious choice to lead the new franchise.
Dhoni captained CSK in their very first IPL match. Under his leadership, CSK reached the final in 2008 but lost to Rajasthan Royals by three wickets. Even though they didn’t win that year, the campaign showed that CSK would be a team to watch. From that point on, Dhoni became the face of the franchise.
MS Dhoni’s Captaincy Era
MS Dhoni’s captaincy era is the most successful period in Chennai Super Kings history. He led the team from 2008 to 2023, with a brief return in 2025. During this time, he turned CSK into one of the most dominant teams in T20 cricket.
Dhoni’s leadership style is calm and tactical. He never panics under pressure. He backs his players fully and makes smart decisions on the field. These qualities made him the perfect leader for CSK.
Under Dhoni, CSK reached the IPL finals 10 times in 14 seasons. This is an incredible record. Most teams struggle to reach the playoffs consistently, but CSK under Dhoni was almost always in the title race.
Captaincy Record
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Captaincy Tenure | 2008–2023, 2025 |
| Matches as Captain | 244 |
| Wins | 145 |
| Losses | 96 |
| Win Percentage | 59.42% |
| IPL Titles | 5 |
| CLT20 Titles | 2 |
| Finals Reached | 10 |
Dhoni’s win percentage of 59.42% across 244 matches is outstanding. He has the most wins as an IPL captain and the most matches captained in the league’s history.
IPL Trophy Wins
MS Dhoni led CSK to five IPL titles:
- 2010 – CSK beat Mumbai Indians in the final
- 2011 – CSK defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore
- 2018 – CSK won after returning from a two-year suspension
- 2021 – CSK beat Kolkata Knight Riders in the final
- 2023 – CSK defeated Gujarat Titans in a thrilling final
Dhoni also won two Champions League T20 titles with CSK in 2010 and 2014.
Why MS Dhoni Became CSK’s Most Successful Captain
Several reasons explain why Dhoni is CSK’s most successful captain:
- Calmness under pressure – Dhoni never shows emotion on the field. This calmness spreads to the entire team. Players feel confident even in tough situations.
- Trust in players – Dhoni backs his players even when they fail. He gives them long runs and does not drop them after one bad performance. This creates a strong dressing room environment.
- Smart bowling changes – Dhoni is known for making unexpected bowling changes that work. He reads the game well and knows when to bring in certain bowlers.
- Finishing ability – Dhoni is one of the best finishers in cricket. His presence at the end of the innings gives the team confidence.
- Long-term planning – Dhoni built a team culture that focused on stability. He rarely made wholesale changes to the squad. This consistency helped CSK perform well year after year.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Captaincy in 2022
Ravindra Jadeja’s captaincy was the shortest in CSK history. He led the team for only eight matches in IPL 2022. Under his leadership, CSK won just two matches and lost six.
Jadeja was given the captaincy before the 2022 season. This was a big moment because Dhoni had been captain for so long. Many fans were surprised by the change. But the transition did not work out.
Jadeja struggled with both his batting and bowling during this period. He scored only 116 runs in 10 matches and took five wickets. The pressure of captaincy affected his personal performance.
Why Jadeja Was Named Captain
CSK named Ravindra Jadeja as captain for several reasons. First, the franchise wanted to start planning for life after Dhoni. Dhoni was 40 years old in 2022, and CSK knew they needed a successor.
Second, Jadeja was one of the most experienced players in the squad. He had been with CSK since 2012 and understood the team culture well. He was also a key all-rounder who could contribute with both bat and ball.
Third, Dhoni himself reportedly wanted to step down and give someone else a chance. He had been captain for 14 years and felt it was time for a transition.
Why CSK Handed Captaincy Back to MS Dhoni
CSK gave the captaincy back to Dhoni because the team was struggling badly. After eight matches, CSK had only two wins and was near the bottom of the table.
Jadeja was struggling to manage both his own game and the team’s performance. The team looked disjointed and lacked the usual CSK confidence. Dhoni’s return brought stability back to the dressing room.
Dhoni took over from match nine of the season. CSK finished the season in ninth place, but bounced back strongly in 2023, winning the title under Dhoni’s leadership.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Captaincy Journey
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy journey represents the future of Chennai Super Kings. He was appointed captain ahead of IPL 2024 as part of a planned transition from the Dhoni era. Gaikwad is young, talented, and has already shown leadership potential.
Gaikwad has been CSK’s best batsman in recent seasons. He scored 590 runs in IPL 2024 and 583 runs in IPL 2025 before his injury. His batting form gives him credibility as a leader.
When He Became Captain
Gaikwad became CSK captain just before IPL 2024. The announcement came as a surprise to many fans. Dhoni had been captain for so long that it was hard to imagine anyone else leading CSK.
The franchise made this decision carefully. They wanted to give Gaikwad time to learn while Dhoni was still in the squad. Dhoni continued to play as a wicketkeeper-batsman and guide Gaikwad from the background.
Captaincy Record
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Captaincy Tenure | 2024, 2026–Present |
| Matches as Captain (IPL) | 27+ |
| Wins | 14 |
| Losses | 18+ |
| Win/Loss Ratio | 0.777 |
| IPL Titles | 0 |
In 32 IPL matches as captain, Gaikwad has managed 14 wins against 18 losses. CSK has not reached the playoffs under his leadership yet.
Challenges as Captain
Gaikwad faces several challenges as CSK captain:
- Replacing a legend – Following MS Dhoni is nearly impossible. Dhoni is one of the greatest captains in cricket history. Every decision Gaikwad makes is compared to what Dhoni would have done.
- Team transition – CSK is moving from an experienced squad to a younger one. This takes time. Young players need time to develop, but fans expect results immediately.
- Injury setbacks – Gaikwad missed most of IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury. This disrupted his captaincy development.
- Performance pressure – Gaikwad’s batting form has dropped in IPL 2026. His average has fallen to 29.18 and his strike rate has dropped to 120.68. Leading the team while managing personal form is difficult.
- Playoff drought – CSK has not qualified for the playoffs under Gaikwad’s captaincy. This puts pressure on him to deliver results.
Head coach Stephen Fleming has acknowledged that Gaikwad is still a work in progress. The franchise is committed to giving him time.
Complete Captain Timeline of CSK
Here is the complete chronological timeline of CSK captains:
| Period | Captain | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2015 | MS Dhoni | Built the franchise; won 2 IPL titles (2010, 2011) |
| 2016–2017 | — | CSK suspended from IPL |
| 2018–2021 | MS Dhoni | Returned after suspension; won 2 more IPL titles (2018, 2021) |
| 2022 (Start) | Ravindra Jadeja | Appointed as captain; struggled with form and results |
| 2022 (Mid-season) | MS Dhoni | Took over after 8 matches; team finished 9th |
| 2023 | MS Dhoni | Led CSK to 5th IPL title |
| 2024 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | First full season as captain; finished 5th |
| 2025 | MS Dhoni | Took over after Gaikwad’s injury |
| 2026 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Returned as full-time captain |
Captaincy Records of Chennai Super Kings
CSK’s captaincy records show how dominant MS Dhoni has been compared to other leaders.
Most Matches as Captain
| Captain | Matches |
|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 244 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 27+ |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 8 |
| Suresh Raina | 6 |
Dhoni has captained CSK in 244 matches, which is more than all other captains combined.
Most Wins as Captain
| Captain | Wins |
|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 145 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 14 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2 |
| Suresh Raina | 2 |
Dhoni’s 145 wins as CSK captain are the most by any captain in IPL history.
Most IPL Titles
| Captain | IPL Titles |
|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 5 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 0 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 0 |
| Suresh Raina | 0 |
Dhoni is joint-most successful IPL captain alongside Rohit Sharma, with five titles each.
Highest Win Percentage
| Captain | Win % |
|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 59.42% |
| Suresh Raina | ~33.3% |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 25% |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Ongoing |
Dhoni’s win percentage of 59.42% is outstanding for any captain who has led over 200 matches.
Why Has CSK Had Only a Few Captains?
CSK has had only four captains in their history. This is unusual in the IPL. Most franchises have changed captains multiple times. Here is why CSK has stayed so stable:
- Trust in leadership – CSK believes in giving captains a long run. They do not make panic changes after a few bad results.
- Dhoni’s influence – Dhoni was captain for so long that there was no need to change. His success made him irreplaceable.
- Culture of stability – CSK values stability over short-term fixes. They believe that consistent leadership leads to consistent results.
- Gradual transitions – When CSK has changed captains, they have done it slowly. They gave Jadeja a chance in 2022 and Gaikwad a chance in 2024. Even when transitions failed, they went back to Dhoni rather than making panic decisions.
- Senior player support – CSK has always had senior players who support the captain. This reduces the pressure on the leader and helps the team stay balanced.
This stability separates CSK from most other IPL teams. Many franchises change captains every few seasons, but CSK has trusted their leaders for the long term.
Legacy of CSK Captains
Each CSK captain has left a mark on the franchise:
MS Dhoni built the CSK dynasty. He won five IPL titles and created a winning culture that will last for years. His calm leadership and tactical brilliance made CSK one of the most respected teams in world cricket.
Suresh Raina was the loyal deputy. He stepped in whenever Dhoni was unavailable and kept the team running smoothly. His energetic leadership style complemented Dhoni’s calm approach.
Ravindra Jadeja represented the first attempt at transition. Even though his captaincy was short, it showed that CSK was willing to plan for the future.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is leading the new era. He faces the challenge of following a legend, but he has the talent and support to succeed.
Conclusion
Chennai Super Kings have had only four captains in their IPL history: MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. MS Dhoni is by far the most successful, with five IPL titles and 145 wins as captain. His calm leadership and long-term vision built CSK into a champion franchise.
Ravindra Jadeja’s captaincy in 2022 was short and challenging, but it showed CSK’s willingness to plan for the future. Ruturaj Gaikwad now leads the team into a new era. He is still learning, but CSK is committed to giving him time.
CSK’s leadership stability is rare in the IPL. Most teams change captains often, but CSK has trusted their leaders for the long term. This stability has been a key factor in their success. The franchise will hope that Gaikwad can carry forward this legacy and add more trophies to the cabinet.
FAQs
How many captains has CSK had in history?
CSK has had four captains: MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Who is the most successful captain in CSK history?
MS Dhoni is the most successful CSK captain with five IPL titles and two CLT20 titles.
Did Suresh Raina captain Chennai Super Kings?
Yes, Suresh Raina captained CSK in six matches as a stand-in captain between 2010 and 2019.
Why did Ravindra Jadeja stop being CSK captain?
Jadeja stepped down during IPL 2022 after eight matches. CSK won only two matches under his leadership, and his own form suffered.
Who is the current CSK captain?
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the current full-time captain of Chennai Super Kings for the 2026 IPL season.
