Ruturaj Gaikwad, the newly chosen captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has said that he got the notion to be MS Dhoni’s heir during the IPL 2023.
Ruturaj Gaikwad highlighted how Dhoni had advised him to psychologically prepare for the leadership job. He also revealed how the former CSK captain groomed him with match simulations at the pre-season training.
In an Instagram video provided by IPL, Ruturaj Gaikwad spoke about his new role as CSK’s captain:
“Last year itself, Mahi bhai (Dhoni) had hinted about captaincy at some point of time. ‘Just be ready, it shouldn’t come to you as a surprise.’ When we came into the camp, he made me involved in some of the practice match simulations.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad was introduced as CSK’s new captain as he stepped out for the leaders’ photo with the trophy on the eve of the IPL 2024 season opening. He also disclosed that he spoke with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis about how they will both be at the toss on March 22 as opponents.
“I just met Faf in the meeting and I said, ‘Who would have thought few years down the line, you playing for RCB and you leading RCB. You and me sharing stage at the toss.’ A lot to look forward to. I think it is one of the most exciting first-day game to look forward to.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Gaikwad and Du Plessis were key in CSK’s title victory in 2021, forming a powerful tandem that strengthened their bond even more.
Ruturaj Gaikwad on MS Dhoni’s cryptic Facebook post
MS Dhoni sparked fan interest earlier in March when he announced on Facebook that he will be appearing in a new role shortly. While Ruturaj Gaikwad originally assumed it was part of a social media promotion, it turned out to be Dhoni playing the position of a specialized wicketkeeper-batter rather than a captain.
On this, Gaikwad stated:
“I remember him posting ‘new role’ on social media. Everybody was pointing towards me and asking, ‘Are you the next captain?’ I was like, ‘Maybe its a post for social media or something.’ Back of the mind, it was there and a week (ago), he came and said, ‘I have decided this and this (to hand over captaincy).’ And now that I am here, I am really looking forward to it.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad
The Chennai Super Kings will kick off a new chapter under Ruturaj Gaikwad leadership with the IPL 2024 opener against RCB on March 22.
