“MS Dhoni acquired right here as a lot as me and acknowledged….”: Ruturaj Gaikwad on how legend approached him for CSK captaincy perform

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Travel Giikwad opened up on how legendary five-time IPL-winning and World Cup-winning Indian skipper Ms Dona approached him for captaincy ahead of the sooner season and warranted him that he could be attending to make his private calls. CSK could be kickstarting their upcoming IPL season in opposition to arch-rivals and five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at Chennai on March 23. Closing 12 months, beneath Gaikwad’s captaincy, CSK didn’t defend their title, ending at fifth spot with seven wins and seven losses, with 14 components. They missed out on the playoffs spot on basis of net-run-rate.

Speaking fully on JioHotstar on CSK’s administration transition, the consultants and the skipper himself acknowledged: Gaikwad acknowledged, “Solely every week sooner than the match ultimate 12 months, MS Dhoni acquired right here as a lot as me and acknowledged, ‘I am not essential this year–you are.’ I was significantly shocked, asking, ‘From the first sport? Are you optimistic?’ With just a few days to arrange, it was overwhelming. Nonetheless he assured me, ‘That’s your employees. You make your particular person decisions. I won’t interfere–except when topic placements are a 50-50 title. Even then, it is not a compulsion to adjust to my advice. That perception meant masses to me.”
Speaking on MS DhonI’s longevity throughout the IPL, his former teammate and Australian legend Shane Watsonacknowledged, “The unimaginable half is that, even at 42, MS Dhoni stays to be delivering moments of brilliance. Though his perform is further restricted now, his affect on the team–and notably the fans–remains invaluable.”Moreover, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra acknowledged that during the last season, Dhoni was not barely occupying a spot, nevertheless comparatively holding his hand “to the next king in line”.

Former Indian cricketer Robin uthappa moreover acknowledged that Ruturaj has a “calm demeanor”, just like Dhoni. “He is evolving as a pacesetter, and with time, his performances will replicate that progress,” he added. Watson moreover acknowledged that the captaincy pressure and having Dhoni spherical has not affected Ruturaj’s batting a bit, as he scored 583 runs in 14 matches at a imply of 53.00 and a strike worth of 141.16, with a century and 4 fifties. His most interesting ranking was 108*. He ended as a result of the second-highest run-getter throughout the match.”That speaks volumes about how successfully CSK’s succession plan is working,” concluded Watson.