Defending Champions Chennai Super Kings will begin their IPL campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22. MS Dhoni would look to recreate his magic in the cash rich T20 league after guiding the Super Kings to their elusive 5th title last season. In 2023 MS Dhoni managed 104 runs from 8 innings at an strike rate of 182.46 including 10 sixes. During the season he also completed 5000 runs in IPL.
MS Dhoni is the only Indian cricket team captain to win the T20 World Cup, the ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy too. Under MS Dhoni, India became the world No. 1 Test side also. While MS Dhoni has retired from international cricket, he still competes in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings. He led his team to the title in the IPL 2023 and will aim to emulate the feat again this year.
MS Dhoni keeps the team at the forefront- Ravichandran Ashwin
Former India captain MS Dhoni called time on his captaincy stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), stepping down as the skipper of Chennai Super Kings ahead of the start of the 2024 season, paving the way for Ruturaj Gaikwad to take the baton in his hand. The 42 year old veteran who handed CSK their 5th title in 2023 underwent a knee surgery after that in the off-season
Though inevitable, the decision did hurt cricket fans as an era came to an end. But, veteran Indian and former CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin doesn’t think the big call was taken suddenly. The off-spinner, who plays for Rajasthan Royals, suggests that Dhoni would’ve spoken to Ruturaj about the change last year.
Speaking about the development on his You Tube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin wasn’t surprised with the decision knowing the team man MS Dhoni is over the years.
“This was an inevitable decision. It had to come at some stage. I know MS Dhoni. He keeps the team at the forefront. He keeps thinking about the well-being of the team. Because of that, 2 years ago, he gave the captain’s armband to Jadeja. Now he has given it to Ruturaj. This decision had to happen. Who and how remained the question,” said Ravichandran Ashwin.
The former CSK cricketer was also adamant that Ruturaj would have been made aware of this much earlier by Dhoni privately.
“Ruturaj wouldn’t have thought his role was only a batter until yesterday. I know MS Dhoni very well. Sitting in his room, enjoying dinner with the youngsters, he must have told Ruturaj last year, I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case,”
I definitely think it was not a surprise for Ruturaj. Brother, you are going to take charge. You can do all these things. ‘I will be there, don’t worry’ is something that Dhoni night have told Ruturaj well in advance,” stated Ashwin.
Wrong to even wonder whether it’s a wrong decision from CSK – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his delight for Ruturaj Gaikwad and felt it was wrong to question the decision to make him CSK captain. The 27-year old has lead India to the title in 2023 Asian Games and has experience leading Maharashtra in white ball domestic games.
“I know Ruturaj, he is extremely cool and calm. He is a very good human being. I am extremely elated for him. I think it’s wrong to even wonder whether it’s a wrong decision from CSK. For Ruturaj, and the people around him, including his family, it’s a huge moment,” said Ashwin.
Ashwin also added that Dhoni’s unparalleled success should not become a burden for Ruturaj.
“It’s unbelievable. He is going to lead a team with such a rich legacy. It’s a huge burden, I agree. But I think it’s the responsibility of the fans to make Ruturaj enjoy the responsibility. Cricket teaches you that. Yes, MS is one of the greatest leaders. But instead of thinking Ruturaj should bring in results immediately, give him some time. MS Dhoni’s success should not be a burden for Ruturaj Gaikwad,” stated Ashwin.
“For the first-ever time in the IPL, we will not be having MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma captaining in the IPL. Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to be given space and must be allowed to enjoy the role. That responsibility is that of the fans and the management. Yes, he might lose one or two matches. But, I always believe that the greatest lessons are learned during losses,” he concluded.
Ruturaj has been the lynchpin of the Super Kings’ batting over the past three years, including winning the Orange Cap in 2021. His tenure as CSK skipper will begin in the curtain raiser of IPL 2024 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday, March 22.