Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals what MS Dhoni told him after handing over the CSK captaincy

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was appointed as captain of the Chennai Super Kings a day before the start of IPL 2024, has revealed what he learned from MS Dhoni.

On the eve of the IPL 2024 edition's opening match between CSK and RCB, the 5-time champions shocked their fans by revealing that MS Dhoni won't captain the team. That Dhoni has decided to step down from his role after more than 12 years in charge and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who made his Chennai debut in 2020, will succeed MSD from this season onwards.

Many were forced to think that CSK's golden glory days might come to an end following Ruturaj Gaikwad's appointment as captain. Fans started to bring back the memories of IPL 2022 when Ravindra Jadeja was handed over the captaincy reigns by MS Dhoni. That particular move didn't materialize as Chennai finished 9th in the league table.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's first season as captain of CSK as it went

If we compare Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja's, then the former had better luck than the All-rounder who was sacked mid-way through IPL 2022. The common thing about Gaikwad and Jadeja's captaincy is that both were appointed as franchise captains after CSK went through a title-winning season.

In 2022, Chennai were the reigning champions but in their title defense season, they lost 10 matches and won just 4 times. In 2024, CSK entered as the 5-time champions but once again the Yellow Army finished outside of the top 4 spots. Under Ruturaj Gaikwad's leadership, the Super Kings had a mixed season where they lost 7 and won 7 matches.

The reigning champions had it all in their hands for a top 4 finish but an inspirational performance from RCB denied them entry to the last 4. Ruturaj Gaikwad's side was beaten by Faf du Plessis's Bengaluru side which eventually lost to the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator match earlier this week.

Ruturaj Gaikwad had MS Dhoni's hands over his head and the latter helping the new captain was evident throughout IPL 2024. In terms of bowling changes as well as field setup, Dhoni helped Gaikwad but the big question is who will MSD be there in the 2025 edition to help the right-hand batter?

What did Gaikwad learn from MS Dhoni?

While speaking to Times of India after CSK's exit, Ruturaj Gaikwad was asked about the things that he learned from MS Dhoni this season. The 27-year-old admitted that neutrality is the biggest quality that Gaikwad picked up from the 2007 and 2011 World Cup-winning captain.

Remaining calm and composed in every single situation without getting too excited during matches is another quality Ruturaj Gaikwad picked up. The batter feels that it is the best approach that he could have ever learned in his debut season as captain.

"Being neutral is something that I have learned from Mahi bhai - not getting too excited about anything or being down by anything is the right approach that I have picked up." - Ruturaj Gaikwad said via Times of India.