RCB vs CSK: MS Dhoni mentioned as Michael Hussey drops 'can get better' verdict on captain Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has credited the guidance of legendary MS Dhoni for Ruturaj Gaikwad's impressive growth as the team's new skipper in the ongoing IPL 2024.

Gaikwad, who took over the captaincy duties from Dhoni this season, has led the five-time IPL champions through a season of ups and downs. Hussey believes that Gaikwad's ability to balance leadership responsibilities with his batting has improved significantly, thanks to the mentorship of head coach Stephen Fleming and the presence of former CSK skipper Dhoni.

The CSK batting coach further mentioned that Ruturaj has been outstanding as a captain so far in the ongoing IPL 2024, but admitted that the Maharashtra star can improve further and gain more confidence with every win. Hussey also said that Dhoni has been helping Ruturaj behind the scenes.

Ruturaj Gaikwad thriving under MS Dhoni's guidance in IPL 2024: Michael Hussey

Ruturaj recently led CSK to a five-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) from the front with an unbeaten knock of 42 runs in the crucial IPL 2024 match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 12. With this win, CSK kept their hopes alive for the IPL 2024 playoffs.

With 14 points from 13 games, CSK’s important win over RR propelled the defending champions to the third position in the IPL 2024 points table. They are now one win away from securing a spot in the playoffs. They will next travel to Bengaluru for the final league game against RCB on May 18.

Well, Ruturaj's impactful leadership and his valuable contributions with the bat for CSK earned him praise from fans and cricket experts, and a lot of credit goes to Dhoni and Fleming, according to Hussey. He mentioned that the CSK skipper has a very good cricket brain and a great feel for the game.

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been fantastic as captain: Michael Hussey

Michael Hussey said at the post-match press conference after CSK vs RR clash in Chennai: “I think Ruturaj has been fantastic as captain. He has got a very calm demeanor on how he wants to go about it as well. Fortunately, he has great minds with him in the initial stages of his career. MS Dhoni is obviously still there, helping him behind the scenes. Fleming is also there. He has great minds to bounce ideas off. Ruturaj can only get better and better.”

Hussey added, “I already think he is doing a fantastic job. But the more he does it and the more he feels comfortable in himself being the captain as well, then I think he only grows as a captain. He already has a very good cricket brain and a great feel for the game - we saw that in the way he played today. He knew when to knock it around and when to accelerate. The more he does it, the more he would trust himself. That was one of Dhoni's great assets.”

Notably, Ruturaj is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the ongoing IPL 2024, with 583 runs in 13 games so far. He is only behind RCB batting star Virat Kohli, who is leading the chart with 661 runs in 13 games in the tournament so far.