Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy appointment was MS Dhoni's retirement announcement - Reports

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player MS Dhoni is all set to retire from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the upcoming edition of the league. As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that the keeper-batter wanted a smooth transition and hence passed on the captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

On the eve of the first game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, MS Dhoni surprised many as he stepped down as the captain of the team. Youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad was named as the new skipper of the franchise and will be leading the team in the upcoming edition.

The reports have claimed that MS Dhoni was the one who wanted Ruturaj Gaikwad to take over the baton of the team. The keeper-batter will be retiring after the IPL 2024 and he wanted a smooth transition to happen under his guidance. Speaking to PTI, an official claimed:

“There is speculation that Dhoni will retire at the end of the season and therefore the franchise felt the need for a smooth transition in the stalwart’s presence as a player.”

MS Dhoni quitting the captaincy could well be the hint that he will be retiring from the league next year. He was supposed to retire from the league last year but he pushed himself for the fans, stating that he wants to give a return gift to fans, who have supported him all over his career.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would be hoping that the move to change the captaincy works for them. The last time it happened, was during 2022. The keeper-batter handed the leadership to Ravindra Jadeja but the move didn’t work and he took over the role back.

Talking about the same, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan hoped that the work would move significantly and also admitted that it was a failure the last time it happened. He told PTI: “It didn’t work out at that time, this (the move to appoint Ruturaj Gaikwad) is different.”

Whatever MS Dhoni does, it is in the best interest of the team – CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Kasi Viswanathan opened up about MS Dhoni’s decision to hand over the captaincy to Ruturaj. He stated that whatever the keeper-batter does it’s best interest of the team. While talking about the same, he elaborated:

“Whatever Dhoni does, it is in the best interest of the team. I got to know of the decision just before the captains’ meeting. You have to respect his decision, it is his call.”

MS Dhoni has made Chennai Super Kings (CSK) the joint-most successful team in the franchise. He won five titles as a captain and barring two seasons, he took the team to playoffs every time. He has played 250 IPL matches in the league and has scored more than 5000 runs at a strike rate of 135.92.

Ruturaj Gaikwad on the other hand has a fair amount of captaincy experience. He is the leader of his domestic team and has done a decent job for the team. He would be keen to take forward the legacy of MS Dhoni.