Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player MS Dhoni is ready to retire from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the next edition of the league. As per PTI reports, it is learned that the wicketkeeper-batsman wanted a smooth transition and hence handed over the baton of captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Ahead of the first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, MS Dhoni surprised many by stepping down as team captain. Young Ruturaj Gaikwad was named the new captain of the franchise and will lead the team in the upcoming edition.
Reports have claimed that MS Dhoni was the one who wanted Ruturaj Gaikwad to take over the team. The wicketkeeper-batsman will retire after IPL 2024 and wanted a smooth transition to happen under his leadership. Speaking to PTI, an official said:
“It is speculated that Dhoni will retire at the end of the season and hence the franchise felt the need for a smooth transition in the presence of the stalwart as a player.”
MS Dhoni’s resignation from the captaincy could well be an indication that he will retire from the league next year. He was supposed to retire from the league last year, but he went out of his way for the fans and stated that he wants to give back a gift to the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) hope the decision to change the captaincy works out for them. The last time it happened was during 2022. The wicketkeeper-batsman handed over the lead to Ravindra Jadeja but the move did not work out and he resumed the role.
Talking about the same, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan expected the work to progress significantly and also admitted that it was a flop the last time it happened. He told PTI: “It didn’t work out at that time, this (the decision to appoint Ruturaj Gaikwad) is different.”
Whatever MS Dhoni does, it’s best for the team: CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Kasi Viswanathan spoke about MS Dhoni’s decision to hand over the captaincy to Ruturaj. He stated that whatever the wicketkeeper-batsman does is best for the team. While he was talking about the same, he explained:
“Whatever Dhoni does, it will be for the good of the team. I found out about the decision just before the captains’ meeting. You have to respect his decision, it is his decision.”
MS Dhoni has made Chennai Super Kings (CSK) the joint most successful team in the franchise. He won five titles as captain and, except for two seasons, led the team to the playoffs every time. He has played 250 IPL matches in the league and has scored more than 5000 runs with a strike rate of 135.92.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, on the other hand, has plenty of experience as a captain. He is the leader of his national team and has done a decent job for the team. He would love to carry forward MS Dhoni’s legacy.