The new captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Ruturaj Gaikwad, shared that the legendary skipper MS Dhoni had hinted the leadership change last year. Gaikwad noted Dhoni’s increasing participation in practice sessions before formally handing over the captaincy.
On Thursday, MS Dhoni resigned as captain of CSK, with Ruturaj Gaikwad chosen as his replacement for the upcoming IPL season. The news of Gaikwad becoming the new skipper surprised fans just before the start of IPL 2024.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad’s selection as CSK’s new captain suggests a transition period, hinting at Dhoni’s eventual retirement even though it’s not officially confirmed. Dhoni’s decision to step down indicates a deliberate move to groom a new leader smoothly.
In a video shared by the IPL on X (formerly Twitter), Ruturaj Gaikwad disclosed how MS Dhoni hinted at the leadership transition. Gaikwad stressed that Dhoni had counseled him to be ready for the role since last year. He revealed:
“You know last year itself Mahi bhai had hinted about captaincy at some point of time. He just hinted that ‘be ready.’ It should not come as a surprise to you,”
He added: “When we came into the camp, he made me involved in some of the practice match simulations – back of the mind it was there, a week ago, he told me I have decided this,”
Ruturaj Gaikwad has become captain because he scored well in the last few IPL seasons. He helped his team win in 2021 and 2023. In total, he’s scored 1797 runs in 52 matches. Gaikwad has experience leading teams, winning a Gold Medal in the Asian Games, and leading Maharashtra in other tournaments.
On March 4, MS Dhoni posted a mysterious message on Facebook, leading to speculation about him resigning as CSK’s captain. Ruturaj Gaikwad is now excited to take on the leadership role with Chennai Super Kings.
Gaikwad said:
“I remember him posting about the new role on social media. Everybody was pointing towards me and asking me whether I am the next captain. I replied to them saying, ‘maybe he means something else’. At the back of mind it was there. He told me I have decided this and this. But definitely now I am here, I am really looking forward to it,”
Furthermore, Gaikwad expressed his excitement for being entrusted with the leadership role by MS Dhoni. He said:
“Feeling is great. There is two reasons. First of all, I will be part of such a wonderful franchise, right from my IPL journey started. Secondly, to be able to be trusted by MS Dnoni for the leadership role, speaks a lot. Obviously, the challenge lies ahead and I am looking forward to it,”
Watch the video here:
.@ChennaiIPL fans, meet your new Captain! 😎
The newly appointed #CSK skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, shares what this new opportunity means to him 💛 – By @RajalArora#TATAIPL | #CSKvRCB pic.twitter.com/PS1qfGH2n9
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2024
