Shivam Dube shocked to see Ruturaj Gaikwad replacing MS Dhoni as CSK captain; had thought this instead...
Published - 23 Mar 2024, 02:50 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:08 AM
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Shivam Dube recently shared his thoughts on MS Dhoni stepping down from the captaincy ahead of the IPL 2024. Shivam Dube expressed his surprise upon learning about MS Dhoni’s decision just a day before their first match.
A day before the commencement of IPL 2024, CSK named young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad as MS Dhoni’s successor for the five-time IPL champions. Gaikwad’s selection marked a significant change in leadership for the Chennai-based team in the marquee tournament.
MS Dhoni Handed It To The Perfect Person – Shivam Dube
During the post-match conversation, Shivam Dube praised RuturUaj Gaikwad’s leadership abilities, emphasizing his calm and composed demeanor. Dube stated that Gaikwad is the ideal choice for captaincy for the most successful franchise in the IPL.
“I found out two days ago, and I was shocked. I think he’s handed it to the perfect person. Ruturaj is quite like Dhoni, very cool and calm,” admitted Dube regarding Dhoni’s decision.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was promoted to the role of skipper following his impressive batting performances in the last few seasons. Gaikwad played a crucial role in CSK’s title wins in 2021 and 2023. He won the Orange Cap in 2021, scoring 635 runs at an average of 45.36.
The 27-year-old began his captaincy tenure with a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, March 22. The CSK team continued their winning streak against RCB in the tournament.
However, the newly appointed CSK skipper failed to make an impact with the bat. The right-handed batter managed to score just 15 runs off 15 deliveries, with the help of three boundaries. Nonetheless, other batters stepped up, leading the team to victory.
I Have Played Under Ruturaj Gaikwad Before – Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube conveyed excitement about playing under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, citing their prior experience together. He emphasized Gaikwad’s leadership qualities, noting his composed and clear approach, reminiscent of Dhoni’s style.
“It’s really fun because I have played under him before. I know what kind of a captain he is, how he behaves, and what he expects from me,” Dube remarked.
Shivam Dube contributed significantly to the defending champions’ victorious start in the IPL 2024. While his performance wasn’t flawless, the left-handed batter played a pivotal role alongside Ravindra Jadeja in a match-winning partnership during the chase.
The 30-year-old scored an unbeaten 34 runs off 28 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six. He forged an unbroken partnership with Ravindra Jadeja for the fifth wicket. However, he did not deliver a single ball during Bengaluru’s batting in the first innings.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team secured the top spot in the 10-team points table with two points and an NRR of +0.779 to their tally. The Chennai team will face the Gujarat Titans (GT) in their next match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, March 26.
