Ruturaj Gaikwad, the newly appointed Chennai Super Kings captain, has revealed that his predecessor MS Dhoni had given him hints regarding a potential leadership switch last year. Just one day prior to the commencement of IPL 2024, the change was indeed made with Dhoni handing over the captaincy to Gaikwad while still remaining 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. “Just hinted that, `be ready, it shouldn`t be a surprise to you`. When we came into the camp, obviously he made me involved in some of the practice match simulations.”
Earlier this month, Dhoni had put up a cryptic post on social media announcing that he would be taking up a `new role`. “I remember him posting about a new role on social media and everybody was just pointing towards me and asking me whether `you are the next captain?` I was like, `maybe it meant something else for social media`. Back of the mind, it was there. I would say just a week (before) we came and he said, `I`ve decided this and this`, but definitely now that I`m here, I`m really looking forward to this.”
The 27-year-old was first signed by CSK in 2019 but he had to wait until the 2020 season for opportunities. Initially struggling to make a mark in the middle order and losing his place, he returned to the XI at the back end of the season and opened the innings, smashing three fifties on the trot. Since then, he has been an integral part of the XI, has won the tournament twice and was also the Orange Cap winner in 2021.
“Feels great, I think two reasons,” Gaikwad said looking back at the journey. “First of all to be part of this wonderful franchise right from when my IPL journey started and then to be trusted by MS Dhoni for a leadership role obviously speaks a lot. The challenge lies ahead and I`m looking forward to it.
“Right from day one, I liked how this particular franchise works throughout the year, I kind of got to know the real mantra, the reasons behind their success, what kind of things the franchise goes through, what Mahi bhai does, the management or the support staff does. I wouldn`t like to change a single bit of it. For me he (Dhoni) is a great backbone to have still on the field. I have Ajju (Ajinkya Rahane) bhai and Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) bhai as well, so definitely a lot of options to look around. I don`t think I`ll need to change anything. Just give the kind of freedom the players want and I think everything will be fine.”
Gaikwad`s first assignment as CSK`s full-time captain is the opening game of the season against an RCB side which will be led by his former opening partner Faf du Plessis. The duo scored over 600 runs each in CSK`s title-winning 2021 season. “I just met Faf in the (captains) meeting and said, `who would`ve thought a few years down the line, you playing for RCB and leading RCB, you and me sharing the stage at the toss`,” Gaikwad said. “A lot to look forward to. It is one of the most exciting first-day games to look forward to.”
