Chennai Super Kings are no strangers to this predicament. They have chosen to relinquish captaincy by MS Dhoni, just as they did at the beginning of the current three-year cycle in 2022. The move flopped two years ago, lasting only eight IPL matches and one month before Dhoni was handed the reins again by an under-fire Ravindra Jadeja. That was an unusual move for a franchise that, in all these years, has never allowed anarchy to creep into its leadership choices.
But as the franchise gives the keys to 27-year-old Ruturaj Gaikwad, Stephen Fleming thinks they’re more ready for it this time.
“The big thing about a couple of years ago was that we probably weren’t ready for MS [Dhoni] to move aside and what that did was probably shake us as a leadership group or coaches into looking at the possibility of when he does go and up until that stage that was almost unthinkable,” Fleming stated on the eve of the 2024 season
It planted the seeds for us to work very hard to ensure that any errors made at that time don’t happen again. Furthermore, we have been working very hard to ensure that there are strategies in place and that each player is self-sufficient. The leadership is transparent. We’re better prepared now since that made us as a management group take a closer look at life beyond [Dhoni], something we’ve been a little sluggish to do in the past.
The major announcement was made in a very low-key way via the official IPL Twitter account, reflecting what was going on behind the scenes at the team. Fleming disclosed that Dhoni’s call, which came after much deliberation, was initially ‘usually low-key’ but swiftly transformed into a gaikwad celebration.
“After a successful season the previous year, MS made the decision to resign as captain after giving it careful thought and with an eye toward the future. It was a good moment. Ruturaj and others have been preparing for a captaincy behind the scenes, and they look forward to days like these when the chance arises. Fleming stated, “MS is the best judge and he felt the time was right.”
CSK has been considering transition ever since they gave it a try two years ago. However, the decision to go in a different route this time around could have put them in a precarious position if a veteran player like Jadeja had not been thought of as the future leader. But Fleming disclosed that the 35-year-old all-rounder supports Gaikwad.
“He [Jadeja] is right beside Rutu, there’s no doubt about it,” Fleming stated. “You witnessed last year how much of an impact Jadeja made? The final two balls will become part of CSK legend. Whether or not he wears the stripes on his sleeve, he has been a key member of our team every year and helped us win the cup. He remains an innate leader. Although he is not a talkative, loud, or aggressive speaker, Ruturaj will definitely use him because of the way he plays and how his actions contribute significantly to our leadership.”
Gaikwad has led 16 T20 matches at the senior level, including three for India at the 2018 Asian Games where they took home gold. He has also captained age-group cricket in Maharashtra. It won’t be easy to fill Dhoni’s large shoes, though. Like in 2022, one of the difficulties for CSK in making this decision will be figuring out where to draw the line between giving Ruturaj too much freedom and, if necessary, involving Dhoni in in-game calls.
“It’s about striking the perfect balance between offering unavoidable leadership and avoiding interference. Fleming stated, “It’s been too long, and you can’t just turn that off. He’s too big of a person.”
Finding the right balance between using the Jadejas and the Dhonis and assisting Ruturaj in his development is crucial. It will require some trial and error in the middle, to some extent. Ruturaj exudes confidence. Again, he’s not the most outspoken captain or individual around, but he gets along well with his teammates and is a well regarded member of the team. My impression of the senior players is that they want to contribute, so the trick will be in figuring out how to best utilize it. However, I believe that it is more beneficial than detrimental.”
“MS seems more robust than it did last year.”
Even if Dhoni the player had “one eye on the future” when making the major choice, it cast question on the present. Fleming said the 42-year-old appears stronger than he did a year ago, allaying some of the concerns that could have seized CSK supporters. Dhoni had to manage a knee injury he suffered at the start of the 2023 season. But after that, he had surgery and completed his rehabilitation in time for the preseason, when Fleming says he’s still determined to have an effect.
“I anticipate that MS will do admirably. Preseason results suggest that he is performing exceptionally well. His knee is much stronger now than it was a year ago, and from what I can tell, he still has a tremendous desire to contribute and perform well, which is fantastic for us. The way he has prepared and performed during the preseason has truly astonished me, and I have high hopes that he will play a significant part for us later on.”
“His resilience is something we truly respect about him; he was able to function on one leg last year. After getting it cleaned up, there is a strong desire to go to recovery and return. The athletes find inspiration and enthusiasm when they witness the work he does and the skills he still possesses. He’s as committed as ever to contribute to the team, has a keen mind, and is playing brilliantly in the nets, according to Fleming.
