MS Dhoni on Thursday came as a bombshell to him and the fans of the Chennai Super Kings when he announced his decision to step down as captain before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. This decision gave Ruturaj Gaikwad the leadership position. Although Dhoni confirmed his decision on the eve of the 2024 IPL opener, he had hinted to Ruturaj last year about a possible change of command. In a chat after officially taking over as CSK captaincy, Ruturaj admitted that he knew the decision was coming.

“Mahi bhai at some point last year hinted at captaincy. Just hinted at being ready and it shouldn’t come as a surprise. When we got into training camp, he got me involved in some practice match simulations. I remember He posted about the new role on social media. Everyone pointed at me and asked if he (Ruturaj) is the new captain,” he said in a video released by the IPL.

“I was thinking, maybe this means something else on social media. In my mind, it’s there. Now that I’m here, I’m really looking forward to it,” said the new CSK skipper.

.@ChennaiIPL Fans, come meet your new captain!

newly appointed #CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad shares what this new opportunity means to him – By: @RajalArora#TATAIPL | #CSKvRCB pic.twitter.com/PS1qfGH2n9

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2024

Gaikwad met Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis on the eve of the season opener. The two had a candid chat about how things have evolved for him over the past few years. The two had crossed paths at CSK not long ago and will now compete against each other in the IPL as captains.

“I met Faf and told him who would have thought a few years ago that you would be playing for RCB and you are on the stage with me at Toss. There is a lot to look forward to. This is the most exciting first game One of the day’s matches worth looking forward to,” he said.

Gaikwad may be the leading man for CSK this season, but he will have the wise shoulders of MS Dhoni to lean on whenever the need arises. Not just Dhoni, the opening batsmen are also happy to get the guidance of Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja.

“It says a lot to have MS Dhoni’s trust to take on a leadership role. From day one, I have loved the way this team has functioned over the years. I have learned the real secret behind the success of this team and Mahi bhai has been through. I wouldn’t want to change a thing. Having him in the team is a great anchor. I also have Ajju bhai (Ajinkya Rahane), Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja). A have a lot of options to look around.

“I don’t think I need to change anything. Just give the players the freedom they want and everything will be fine,” he concluded.