3 Key Players Supported by MS Dhoni During His CSK Captaincy

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicked off on March 28 and will continue until May 31, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stepping in as the reigning champions. One of the most successful teams in IPL history is the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a franchise that has become synonymous with the iconic leadership of MS Dhoni. Dhoni hasn't just guided CSK to five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023); he has also been instrumental in developing young talent. His knack for supporting players during challenging times has allowed many cricketers to shine, both in the IPL and on the international stage. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad 

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s journey in the IPL really highlights Dhoni’s belief in young talent. He stepped onto the field for CSK in 2020, and while his start was a bit of a rollercoaster—three fifties and two ducks in just six matches after bouncing back from COVID-19—Dhoni kept his faith in him. That trust paid off in 2021 when Gaikwad played a crucial role in CSK’s title-winning season. 

He wrapped up the season as the top run-scorer with an impressive 635 runs, earning himself the Orange Cap. CSK made sure to keep him on the roster ahead of the 2022 mega auction, and his value to the team just kept rising. By 2024, he took over the captaincy from Dhoni, and by IPL 2026, he had truly become the face of the franchise, with Dhoni’s guidance being a significant factor in his growth. 

Suresh Raina 

Suresh Raina, affectionately dubbed ‘Mr. IPL’, stands out as one of the most reliable players in the league’s history. A cornerstone of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Raina had a deep camaraderie with Dhoni and played a crucial role in the team’s achievements over the years. 

With an impressive tally of 5,528 runs in 205 IPL matches, Raina showcased incredible consistency, hitting over 300 runs in 12 straight seasons. His dynamic batting style, quick reflexes in the field, and knack for delivering in high-pressure situations made him an invaluable player for CSK. On top of his IPL success, Raina also amassed more than 6,000 runs for India across all formats and earned a reputation as one of the best fielders of his era. 

Ravindra Jadeja 

Ravindra Jadeja stands out as one of the most influential all-rounders in the history of the IPL. He’s clinched the IPL title four times, once with the Rajasthan Royals and three times with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). One of his standout moments came during the 2023 IPL final, where he earned the Player of the Match title by hitting a boundary off the last ball, sealing the win for CSK. 

Jadeja is also CSK’s second-highest wicket-taker in the league. In 2022, he took on the captaincy role but decided to step down mid-season, allowing Dhoni to take the reins once more. Even during that tough time, Dhoni’s support helped Jadeja continue to shine. He also holds the record for the most runs scored in a single over in IPL history, blasting 36 runs off Harshal Patel in a seven-ball over back in 2021. On the international stage, Jadeja has amassed over 6000 runs and taken more than 500 wickets, showcasing his remarkable all-round talent.