Former India cricketer CD Gopinath on Thursday supported MS Dhoni’s decision to resign as captain of the Chennai Super Kings and hand over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the Indian Premier League. Gopinath, 94, who began his Test career with a 50 not out against England in 1951, said he would give up the captaincy and develop a young star It’s a smart move to lead the team forward. “Ms. Dhoni is a balanced person and a very good leader. Promoting Ruturaj (Gaikwad) as captain must have been his decision because he knew he would not be captain forever.” He Want to groom Ruturaj and hope he takes CSK to greater heights,” Gopinath told PTI Video.

He praised Dhoni for his captaincy and everything he has done for India and IPL Chennai.

“MS comes from a very different background. People coming from Jharkhand at that time would not have thought that you would play cricket for the country.

“MS Dhoni is a great captain and apart from that, he is also a great human being. He doesn’t show emotions and is very balanced. I am happy that he is leading CSK but sometimes situations like this happen: Everyone has to say goodbye to the game.”

Gopinath also backed CSK to defeat Royal Challengers Bangalore in Friday’s opener and said the latter are still looking for a maiden IPL title victory and may have to wait at least another season to lift the trophy. He predicted that the final will be between CSK and Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians.

“Virat is a great player and he has many years left in his career. But I don’t think he will win the title this season.”

Gopichand also advised Rohit Sharma not to attempt premeditated shots if he wants to be successful this season.

“Rohit is good, he is aggressive, but his premeditated shots have led to his recent downfall. He should not premeditate shots and should wait and make the most of the ball.”

Regarding Rishabh Pant’s comeback, Gopinath said: “One player cannot change the destiny of the team, and as a captain, he needs to understand the opponent well. If he can do this, then he can achieve success in DC success.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)