Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star opening batsman and newly appointed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has openly admitted that his captaincy role will be minimal as there are many experienced campaigners in the team, who know how to operate very well.
Gaikwad has been chosen as the successor to the most successful captain in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) – MS Dhoni. Ruturaj Gaikwad will begin his captaincy stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the battle against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22.
Since his debut for the franchise in 2020, Gaikwad has consistently delivered sensational performances while batting in the top order. In 52 league matches, the opening batsman has scored 1797 runs at an average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 135.52. He has smashed one century and 14 half-centuries in the competition.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) shared a video on their official X account where Ruturaj Gaikwad shared his first reaction on being named the new captain of the team.
In the clip, Gaikwad said that he is privileged and has a big responsibility on his shoulders. He also expressed excitement about taking charge of the team and is not worried at all. Gaikwad understands that the presence of leaders like Dhoni, Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane in the team will help him improve as a captain.
“It feels good. It’s a privilege obviously. I feel more than that. It’s a big responsibility but I’m very excited about the type of group we have. Everyone has enough experience, so I don’t have much to do. Plus, I have Mahi ( “Dhoni) bhai in the team, Jaddu (Jadeja) bhai too and Ajju (Rahane) bhai, who has been a great captain, to guide me. There is not much to worry about, I just feel like enjoying it,” Gaikwad said.
“It feels good! It’s a privilege!” – Captain Rutu 🗣️🦁 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/HPyWuEajIg
– Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2024
It was MS Dhoni’s decision with a lot of consideration going forward: Stephen Fleming on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s appointment as captain
In a pre-match press conference, CSK coach Stephen Fleming revealed that Dhoni took the decision to hand over the captaincy to Gaikwad with an eye on the future. He said:
“It was a decision by MS Dhoni with a lot of consideration for the future. The moment was good. “It will be a preparation process for Ruturaj.”
When asked about his conversation with Ruturaj Gaikwad regarding his appointment as captain, the CSK coach said that the leadership role being played in the CSK dressing room was not a secret and they were planning for it for quite some time.
Stephen Fleming also said that they are better prepared for the captaincy transition, unlike last time when Ravindra Jadeja was under tremendous pressure and could not continue as captain in 2022.
“The most important thing a couple of years ago was that we were not prepared to go beyond MS. At that time it was unthinkable. Leadership is not a secret so we have been planning for this moment. So now we are more prepared to face the future life. This time we are well prepared,” he stated.