On Replacing MS Dhoni as CSK Skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s First Reaction
The newly appointed captain of the Chennai Super Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad, has been given a "huge" responsibility, but with the likes of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja still there in the team to guide him in the field, he is breathing easy. The legendary captain of CSK, MS Dhoni, handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad a day before their IPL opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday. Having joined the franchise in 2019, Gaikwad has established himself in the team, but leading the side will be a massive challenge. Gaikwad, in a short video posted by CSK on social media, said, "It is a privilege. More than that, it is a huge responsibility, but I am really excited because of the kind of group we have. Everyone's experienced enough, so there's not much for me to do.”
Dhoni will very much be there to help him in decision-making, and so will Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane, who batted at a head-turning strike rate of 172.49 last season.
The opener added, "Plus, I have Mahi Bhai in the team, Jaddu Bhai, and Ajju Bhai as well, who has been a great captain, to guide me. So there is nothing much to worry about. Looking forward to enjoying it.”
Gaikwad is a stylish opener and had a memorable run last year, when he aggregated 590 runs in 16 games at an impressive strike rate of 147.50. His breakout year was 2021, when he smashed 635 runs in 16 games.