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In a surprising turn of events, MS Dhoni, the legendary cricketer of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), decided to step down from his captaincy role ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. The announcement came as a shock to fans when Dhoni was noticeably absent from the team’s official captain’s photoshoot, signaling a significant change in leadership for the five-time IPL champions.
Ruturaj Gaikwad embraces captaincy
Stepping into the shoes of a cricketing icon like Dhoni is no small feat, but Ruturaj Gaikwad, the young batting sensation, seems ready for the challenge. Gaikwad, who joined the CSK squad in 2019 and made his IPL debut in the subsequent season, expressed his excitement and sense of privilege in taking on the captaincy role for the upcoming season.
Assurance of support from senior players
Despite the weight of responsibility, Gaikwad remains confident in his ability to lead the team, citing the support of senior players like Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ajinkya Rahane. During a pre-IPL training session at the Chepauk Stadium, Gaikwad emphasized the wealth of experience within the team, providing him with the necessary guidance and reassurance.
Gaikwad’s cricketing journey and performance for CSK
Since his debut season, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been a consistent performer for Chennai Super Kings. With 52 matches under his belt across four seasons, Gaikwad has amassed an impressive total of 1797 runs at a strike rate of 135.52, including one century and 14 half-centuries. His reliability with the bat makes him a promising choice to lead the team in the upcoming IPL season.
“Feels Good! It’s a privilege, obviously. More than that, it’s a huge responsibility, but I am really excited because of the kind of group we have. Everyone’s experienced enough, so not much of a thing for me to do. Plus, I have Mahi bhai in the team, Jaddu bhai as well, Ajju bhai as well to guide me. So, nothing much to worry, just looking forward to enjoy it,” said Ruturaj
Also READ: IPL 2024 – CSK head coach and CEO break silence on MS Dhoni’s sudden captaincy exit
"Feels Good! It's a privilege!" – Captain Rutu 🗣️🦁 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/HPyWuEajIg
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2024
Gaikwad’s appointment as captain marks a new chapter in CSK’s leadership hierarchy, with the young cricketer poised to carry forward the team’s legacy under his stewardship. As fans eagerly await the start of IPL 2024, all eyes will be on Gaikwad as he leads the yellow brigade into battle on the cricketing field.
