Follow UsChennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has confirmed that it was MS Dhoni, and not the management, who accelerated the transition and handed Ruturaj Gaikwad CSK captaincy in the final year of the ongoing cycle. Dhoni was expected to lead CSK in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) but the franchise dropped a bombshell on the eve of their first match of the season, announcing that it’ll be Gaikwad who will lead the Super Kings going forward.
In the aftermath of the shock decision, Fleming has confirmed that Dhoni was the one who took the call to step away, because he felt that the ‘timing was right’.
"It was MS [Dhoni's decision] with a lot of consideration and one view to the future on the back of a good season last year," Fleming said in the pre-match press conference ahead of CSK’s clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), reported ESPN Cricinfo.
"The timing was good. Behind the scenes, Ruturaj and others have been on a, say, a captaincy-grooming process, looking forward to days like this and the opportunities come up, but MS is the best judge and he felt the time was right."
The announcement came as a shock, but CSK’s fans had gone through the same emotions two years ago, when Dhoni announced two days prior to IPL 2022 that he’d be relinquishing CSK captaincy, with Ravindra Jadeja taking over. That transition, however, didn’t go smoothly as Dhoni was reinstated as captain after a disastrous start to Jadeja’s captaincy saw the Super Kings lose five of their first six matches.
Reflecting on the failed transition in 2022, Fleming said that, two years ago, CSK were not ready for MSD to step aside, unlike now.
"Well, the big thing about a couple of years ago was that we probably weren't ready for MS to move aside," Fleming said.
"And what that did was probably shake us as a leadership group or coaches into looking at the possibility when he does go. And up until that stage, it was almost unthinkable, but it sowed the seed.
“So, we've worked pretty hard on making sure that any mistakes that were made during then aren't made again. And that the leadership isn't a secret."
Fleming revealed that there were lots of teary eyes in the dressing room when Dhoni made the announcement, but said that the group were equally chuffed for Gaikwad.
“(When Dhoni broke the news) there was a lot of emotions. A whole lot of tears. There wasn’t a dry eye in the dressing room. Everyone was moved. Last time (when CSK changed the captain) we weren’t as prepared for MS to move and for a change in leadership,” Fleming said.
“There was also a round of congratulations to Ruturaj. He isn’t the most vocal person, but he has qualities to lead us in the right direction.”
Gaikwad has not captained at the IPL level, but he has plenty of leadership experience, having led Maharashtra admirably at the domestic level. Six months ago, he also led India to Asian Games glory in China.
The CSK head coach was full of praise for the leadership skills of Gaikwad, who he claimed was a very well respected figure in the dressing room.
"Ruturaj is very self-assured. Again, he's not the most demonstrative captain or person around, but he's got a very good approach with his fellow players and he's very well-respected. So I think my understanding from the senior players is the desire to help,” Fleming said of Gaikwad.
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