Ruturaj Gaikwad, the recently appointed captain of the Chennai Super Kings, disclosed that MS Dhoni, his predecessor, had indicated the possibility of a leadership change last year. The transition occurred just a day before the start of IPL 2024, with Dhoni passing on the captaincy to Gaikwad while continuing as a player.
“I don’t think I need to change anything. Last year itself, Mahi bhai had just hinted about captaincy at some point of time,” Gaikwad told IPLT20.com. “He simply suggested, ‘be prepared, it shouldn’t catch you off guard’. When we entered the camp, he naturally involved me in some of the practice match simulations.”
Earlier this month, Dhoni had posted a cryptic message on social media, indicating that he would be assuming a ‘new role’. “I recall him sharing about a new role on social media, and everyone was speculating, asking me, ‘Are you the next captain?’ I thought, ‘Perhaps it meant something different for social media’. However, it lingered in the back of my mind. About a week before we arrived, he mentioned, ‘I’ve made this decision and that’, but now that I’m here, I’m truly excited for this opportunity.”
The 27-year-old joined CSK in 2019, but it wasn’t until the 2020 season that he began to receive opportunities. Initially finding it tough to establish himself in the middle order and losing his spot, he made a comeback towards the end of the season, opening the innings and scoring three consecutive half-centuries. Since then, he has become a vital member of the team, winning the tournament twice and also clinching the Orange Cap in 2021.
“It feels amazing, for two reasons,” Gaikwad reflected on his journey. “Firstly, being part of this incredible franchise since the beginning of my IPL journey, and secondly, being entrusted by MS Dhoni with a leadership role speaks volumes. The challenges ahead are exciting, and I’m eagerly anticipating them.”
“From the very beginning, I’ve admired the way this franchise operates year-round. I’ve gained insight into their true mantra, the reasons behind their success, and the challenges the franchise faces, observing Mahi bhai’s actions, as well as the management and support staff. I wouldn’t alter any aspect of it. For me, Dhoni remains a formidable presence on the field. Alongside him, I have Ajju (Ajinkya Rahane) bhai and Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja), providing plenty of options to explore. I don’t foresee needing to make any changes. Providing players with the freedom they desire should suffice.”
Gaikwad’s inaugural match as CSK’s full-time captain is against an RCB side led by his former opening partner, Faf du Plessis. During CSK’s title-winning 2021 season, the duo each scored over 600 runs. “I just bumped into Faf at the captains’ meeting and remarked, ‘who would’ve imagined us, a few years ago, you captaining RCB and me representing CSK, both of us sharing the toss stage’,” Gaikwad shared. “There’s much anticipation. It’s one of the most thrilling opening day fixtures to anticipate.”