Gaikwad Reflects on Dhoni's Trust as CSK Captain
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of Chennai Super Kings, reflects on the crucial moment when MS Dhoni announced his departure from leadership and entrusted the team to him. This transition highlights the trust and confidence Dhoni has in Gaikwad as he embarks on his journey as captain.
Key Takeaways
- Dhoni's trust in Gaikwad is pivotal for the team.
- CSK's performance under Gaikwad in 2024 IPL was commendable.
- Dhoni's leadership legacy continues to influence players.
- Seamless transition of captaincy is crucial in team dynamics.
- Gaikwad's captaincy journey is just beginning.
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) Captain of Chennai Super Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad, reminisced about the pivotal moment when Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced he would step down from leadership and pass the torch to the opening batsman.
On the eve of the 2024 IPL season, Dhoni relinquished his captaincy of CSK, entrusting Gaikwad with the role he has held since 2019.
During his tenure, Dhoni led CSK in 212 matches, achieving a remarkable record of 128 victories against 82 defeats since the inception of IPL in 2008, excluding the two seasons when the franchise faced suspension due to the spot-fixing scandal. At the beginning of the 2022 season, Dhoni temporarily transferred captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja but resumed leadership after eight games.
“Just a week prior to the tournament last year, MS Dhoni approached me and said, ‘I’m not leading this year—you are.’ I was stunned, questioning, ‘From the first game? Are you certain?’ With only a few days to prepare, it felt overwhelming.
“Yet, he reassured me, ‘This is your team. Make your own decisions. I won’t interfere—except on field placements that are 50-50 calls. Even then, following my advice is optional. That trust meant a great deal to me,” Gaikwad expressed on JioHotstar.
Dhoni’s captaincy with CSK commenced in the inaugural season of 2008, culminating in five championship victories. He has dedicated his entire career to the Super Kings, except during the 2016 and 2017 seasons when the franchise was suspended.
“When a seasoned captain remains on the field, his presence can either be a boon or a burden. Some players might ponder, ‘Am I genuinely leading, or is the team still dependent on the former captain?’ However, Dhoni’s character is remarkable—he guarantees a smooth transition without overshadowing the new leader,” remarked former Indian player Aakash Chopra.
In Gaikwad’s debut season as captain, CSK narrowly missed qualification for the 2024 IPL Playoffs, finishing fifth with seven wins and seven losses from their 14 matches, falling short of Royal Challengers Bengaluru on net run rate.
Dhoni is set to compete in his 18th season of the tournament in 2025, having participated in 264 games and amassed 5234 runs, including 24 half-centuries.
South African legend AB de Villiers also praised Dhoni for his enduring career, expressing hope for its continuation. “Credit goes to him for inspiring millions of fans to engage with cricket. It’s due to players like him that the game has thrived for such an extended period. Touch wood, may it continue for several more years,” he stated.
