Gaikwad recalls Dhoni handing him CSK captaincy just before IPL
What's the story
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, recently opened up about being unexpectedly given the team's leadership role.
The 2024 IPL season witnessed Gaikwad taking on this important role just a week before the tournament started.
"Just a week before the tournament last year. MS Dhoni came up to me and said, 'I'm not leading this year—you are, '" Gaikwad revealed on JioHotstar.
Here's more.
Support
Dhoni's assurance bolstered Gaikwad's confidence
Dhoni, who has been an integral part of CSK's journey since the first season of IPL in 2008, broke the news of his captaincy transition to Gaikwad.
The legendary cricketer told him, "This is your team. You make your own decisions. I won't interfere—except when field placements are a 50-50 call."
"Even then, it's not compulsory to follow my advice. That trust meant a lot to me," he further added while standing how Dhoni helped him through the transition.
Challenges
Gaikwad's 1st season as CSK captain
In his first season as CSK captain, Gaikwad guided the side to seven wins and as many defeats.
However, they fell short of the playoffs due to net run-rate, finishing fifth and paving the way for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Despite the struggles during this phase, Gaikwad stayed hopeful about leading CSK in the coming seasons.
Dhoni's legacy and support still motivate him as he walks through his leadership path with the franchise.
Future
Dhoni's upcoming 18th IPL season
As Gaikwad gears up for the upcoming seasons, he knows the legacy he is carrying as CSK captain.
Dhoni will be playing his 18th season in the tournament next year and has played 264 games, scoring 5,234 runs with 24 half-centuries to his name.
His transition from a young player to a seasoned leader is an inspiration for Gaikwad as he evolves into his role as CSK captain.
Numbers
A look at Gaikwad's IPL and T20 numbers
Since his debut in 2020, Gaikwad has featured in 66 IPL matches. He has amassed 2,380 runs at 41.75, including a strike rate of 136.86.
He also boasts two tons and 18 fifties with a high score of 108*.
During the 2024 season, the batter smashed 583 runs across 14 innings at 53 (one hundred, four fifties).
According to ESPNcricinfo, across 145 T20s, he has amassed 4,874 runs at 39.95 (SR: 140.46). He boasts six hundreds and 33 fifties.