MS Dhoni denies remote-controlling Ruturaj Gaikwad, says 99% decisions are the CSK captain’s

MS Dhoni said he had no intentions of remote controlling Ruturaj Gaikwad on the field and had even told the CSK captain he was free to not heed to his legendary Thala suggestions. In the latest episode of MS Dhoni Experience, the former India World Cup great, reiterated that while it was believed that it was Dhoni calling the shots from the background, it was in fact, Gaikwad.
Speaking exclusively to JioHotstar, Dhoni said, “Before the start of the tournament, I also told him, ‘If I give you advice, it doesn’t mean you have to follow it. I will try to stay away as much as possible.’ During the season, a lot of people speculated that I was making the decisions in the background. But the fact is, he was making 99% of the decisions. The most important calls—bowling changes, field placements—were all his. I was just helping him out. He did a brilliant job of handling the players.”
Dhoni was always going to be a tough act to follow at CSK given his legendary status and success with the franchise. But the 5-time champ captain said Gaikwad was chosen after careful consideration. “You have to look at the long-term picture. More often than not, the batsmen who are part of your core squad and do well for you are the ones you can rely on for a longer period. With bowlers, especially fast bowlers, there is always a tendency for injuries,” Dhoni explained. 
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Gaikwad also brought a cool temperament with him to the table. “Ruturaj has been part of us for quite some time. He has done well for us. His temperament is very good—he’s very calm, very composed. He and Fleming get along very well. So those were the reasons we considered him for leadership. We were quite sure Ruturaj would be good for us. After IPL last year, I almost immediately told him, ‘90% you will lead next season, so start preparing yourself mentally,” he said.
CSK opened Season 18, his second as captain, with a win against Mumbai Indians in the el Clasico on Sunday as Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra took them to victory in the last over chase.