MS Dhoni enters the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season solely as a wicketkeeper-batsman, having stepped down from his role as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Dhoni’s decision to quit the captaincy opened the door for Ruturaj Gaikwad to assume leadership responsibilities. While Dhoni’s move was anticipated by many, it stirred up a wave of emotions among fans and within the CSK dressing room.
Stephen Fleming, the head coach of Chennai Super Kings, described the scene in the dressing room when Dhoni announced his decision. He recounted a moment filled with emotions, with tears flowing freely as Dhoni revealed his decision to step down as captain. Fleming acknowledged that the team was better prepared for this transition compared to the last time when Dhoni temporarily stepped aside, as they celebrated Gaikwad’s appointment as captain.
“(When Dhoni broke the news) there were a lot of emotions,” said Fleming adding, “A whole lot of tears. There wasn’t a dry eye in the dressing room. Everyone was moved. Last time (when CSK changed the captain) we weren’t as prepared for MS to move and for a change in leadership. There was also a round of congratulations to Ruturaj. He isn’t the most vocal person, but he has qualities to lead us in the right direction.”
He added, “Well, the big thing about a couple of years ago was that we probably weren’t ready for MS to move aside. And what that did was probably shake us as a leadership group or coaches into looking at the possibility when he does go. And up until that stage, it was almost unthinkable, but it sowed the seed. So, we’ve worked pretty hard on making sure that any mistakes that were made during then aren’t made again. And that the leadership isn’t a secret.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad talking about on Captaincy and MS Dhoni.
– A lovely interview by Rutu! 💛 pic.twitter.com/yBk3fK14YL
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) March 22, 2024
This isn’t the first time Dhoni has given up the captaincy at CSK; he did the same two years ago when Ravindra Jadeja assumed leadership. However, that decision didn’t pan out well, with Dhoni eventually returning as captain mid-season. Fleming expressed confidence that the outcome would be different this time.
