Dhoni Had Hinted at Leaving CSK Captaincy Via Facebook but Fans Missed It: Ruturaj Gaikwad Reveals

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Thursday surprised their fans by announcing a new skipper in Ruturaj Gaikwad. Just a day before the commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the franchise announced the successor of MS Dhoni via social media. CSK secured the services of Gaikwad at the IPL 2019 player auction and since then he hasn’t disappointed with the bat and will now lead the squad. However, stepping into the big shoes will be full of challenges but the Maharashtra batter is ready and looking forward to it.

But when was the decision made?  As per reports, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan learned about the leadership change right before the captain’s photoshoot on the eve of the IPL 2024 opener in Chennai. But Gaikwad revealed that the legend himself had given him a hint last season.

In a video posted by the IPL on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), Ruturaj said Dhoni had asked him last year itself to be prepared for the responsibility so that he should be taken by surprise when it actually comes his way.

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“Last year itself, Mahi Bhai had hinted about captaincy at some point in time. He just hinted that ‘Just be ready, it should not come as a surprise to you’. And when we came into the camp, he included me in some of the match simulations," Gaikwad said in the video.

Gaikwad also talked about Dhoni’s Facebook post on March 4 in which he spoke about the ‘new role’. Nobody could think it was about him stepping down from the captaincy of CSK, not even Gaikwad who just took it as a usual social media post.

“I remember him posting about the ‘new role’ on social media. Everybody was pointing towards me asking if I was the next captain. I thought it was just a social media thing. I

“It was there at the back of my mind but now that I’m here, I’m really looking forward to it," he added.

As CSK face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening game of the season, he would be joining his former opening partner Faf du Plessis, who has been leading RCB since 2022, at the toss at Chepauk. The newly-appointed CSK is looking forward to the mouth-watering clash on Friday night

“Who would have thought that a few years down the line, you leading RCB and we would be sharing the stage at the toss? A lot to forward to and it’s an exciting first-day game to look forward to," he said.

Gaikwad further stated that he has understood the mantra of CSK’s success and doesn’t need to change anything on the field. Since he still has the company of Dhoni and also the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahan, he believes that there is not much to worry about.

“It feels great, for two reasons. It’s great to be part of such a wonderful franchise right from the beginning of my IPL journey. And secondly, to be able to be trusted by MS Dhoni for a leadership role. It obviously speaks a lot.  A big challenge lies ahead and I’m looking forward to it," Gaikwad said.

“I have liked how this franchise has worked throughout the years and I got to know the mantra behind the team’s success. I wouldn’t like to change a single bit of it.

“It’s great to have him [Dhoni] on the field. I have Ajju Bhai, Jaddu Bhai as well… so definitely a lot of options to look around," he concluded.