Ruturaj Gaikwad on becoming CSK captain: ‘Last year itself Mahi bhai had hinted me about captaincy’ | Ipl News

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad opened up about being appointed as new captain and how he got the hint from MS Dhoni last season only.“You know last year itself Mahi bhai had hinted about captaincy at some point of time. He just hinted that ‘be ready.’ It should not come as a surprise to you,” Gaikwad told the BCCI.Tv.
“When we came into the camp, he made me involved in some of the practice match simulations – back of the mind it was there, a week ago, he told me I have decided this,” revealed Gaikwad.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Thursday stepped down as the captain of CSK with Ruturaj Gaikwad named the new skipper ahead of the new IPL season beginning on Friday. Dhoni, who led CSK to five IPL titles, will continue to be available as a player for the season.
MS Dhoni’s support
On March 4, MS Dhoni on Facebook posted, “Can’t wait for the new season and new role. Stay tuned.”
Gaikwad revealed that after MS Dhoni’s cryptic post, people started asking questions whether he would be the next captain.
Chennai Super Kings’ MS Dhoni during a training session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, at MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai. (PTI)
“I remember him posting about the new role on social media. Everybody was pointing towards me and asking me whether I am the next captain. I replied to them saying, ‘maybe he means something else,’” he said.
“At the back of mind it was there. He told me I have decided this and this. But definitely now I am here, I am really looking forward to it,” he added.
Gaikwad also opened up why he won’t change a single thing at the CSK and what does it mean to have MS DHoni as his backbone
“For me it’s a great backbone to have him still on the field. I have Ajju (Ajinkya Rahane) bhai as well, Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) bhai as well, so definitely a lots of options to look around. I don’t think to change anything. Just give the kind of freedom players want and I think everything will be fine,” he said.
Meeting with Faf
After being anointed as CSK’s new skipper, Gaikwad shared the chat he has had with his former teammate and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis.

“I just met Faf in the meeting and I said who would have thought, few years down the line you playing for RCB and you leading RCB. You and me sharing stage at the toss. A lot to look forward to. I think it is one of the most exciting first-day game to look forward to,” he said.
CSK through and through
Having come into the CSK system in 2019, he made his debut in 2020, where he started with three Man of the match awards in three successive matches. Then in 2021, as Chennai won their fourth title, he was the Orange Cap holder. And since then he has established himself as a regular member of the side.

What it means! 🗣️💛#WhlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛
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— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2024
“Feeling is great. There is two reasons. First of all, I will be part of such a wonderful franchise, right from my IPL journey started,” he said.
“Secondly, to be able to be trusted MS DHoni for the leadership role, speaks a lot. Obviously, the challenge lies ahead and I am looking forward to it.
“Right from Day 1 I have liked how this particular franchise has worked throughout the years and I kind of got to know the real mantra or the real reason behind the success. What kind of things this franchise go through of Mahi bhai does, the management or the support staff does. I wouldn’t like to change a single bit of it,” he said.
CSK will take on RCB at Chepauk on Friday.