On the eve of the IPL 2024 opener, MS Dhoni stepped down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), handing over the leadership baton to young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad.

"MS Dhoni has handed over Chennai Super Kings' captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the start of TATA IPL 2024. Ruturaj has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019 and has played 52 matches in IPL during this period. The team looks forward to the upcoming season," CSK issued a statement on captaincy change.

Under Dhoni's captaincy, CSK not only bagged five IPL titles but also became a symbol of consistency and excellence.

Dhoni's leadership was characterized by his calmness under pressure, shrewd tactics and an uncanny ability to extract the best from his players. His decision to relinquish captaincy is seen as the end of a glorious era.

While Dhoni’s decision has left the fans emotional, the former CSK captain is receiving rich tributes from the cricket fraternity.

India skipper Rohit Sharma, who will play as a specialist batter for Mumbai Indians in IPL, also paid his tribute to MS Dhoni.

Taking to Instagram, Rohit shared a heartwarming story featuring him and Dhoni shaking hands before an IPL match. He also added the handshake emoji in his post.

Notably, Rohit has been removed as MI captain ahead of IPL 2024, with the management handing over the leadership duties to all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

Dhoni and Rohit are widely regarded as two of the most successful captains in the IPL history, having led their respective sides five titles.

While CSK will begin their title defence against RCB in the tournament opener, MI will open their campaign against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on March 24.