“Made more sense if MS Dhoni was not around,” ex-Indian cricketer believes CSK made Ruturaj Gaikwad their captain at the wrong time

Ruturaj Gaikwad is the 4th player to lead the Chennai Super Kings.

“Made more sense if MS Dhoni was not around,” ex-Indian cricketer believes CSK made Ruturaj Gaikwad their captain at the wrong time

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image via ESPN)

On 21st March, the Indian Premier League (IPL) announced something that had shocked the entire cricket world. In the captain’s photoshoot, MS Dhoni was not present. It was later announced that the Indian legend had stepped down and gave Ruturaj Gaikwad the captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) . 

Ruturaj Gaikwad has previously captained the Maharashtra State Team and Puneri Bappa in the Maharashtra Premier League. He also captained India in their recent Asian Games triumph as well. 

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Dhoni’s stepping down hurt a lot of fans, as many expected him to captain for a final season. The former Indian captain stepping down did not make former Indian batter, Wasim Jaffer, happy. He claimed Gaikwad should’ve become captain once ‘Thala’ left CSK. 

I think it would have made more sense if MS Dhoni was not around. He had retired and he was not around. It would have made any captain's life a lot easier. Now, with MS Dhoni being around, it always makes a job a lot more difficult for any captain. 
Wasim Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo

Jaffer believes Gaikwad would have less pressure and more freedom if he was made captain after MS Dhoni left. He said Gaikwad would doubt his own decisions if the Indian legend disagreed. 

CSK CEO reveals he found out captaincy change at the last minute 

Chennai Super Kings CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, recently spoke to Press Trust of India regarding MS Dhoni stepping down. He revealed that he found out about Dhoni stepping down just some time before the 2024 IPL captains photoshoot. 

MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad
MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image via ESPN)
I got to know of the decision just before the captains' meeting. You have to respect his decision, it is his call. It didn't work out at that time, this is different.
Kasi Viswanathan to PTI

This will be Dhoni’s 2nd time stepping down from captaincy. He had stepped down in 2022, giving captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja. He took over the role again after the all-rounder stepped down. This time, it is Gaikwad who will take the leadership role. 

Gaikwad’s first match as captain comes on 22nd March. He leads CSK against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2024 IPL opener, which will be played at the Chepauk Stadium. 

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