IPL 2024: CSK coach Stephen Fleming reveals how Ruturaj Gaikwad was chosen as next captain

MS Dhoni handed over Chennai Super Kings leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the IPL 2024.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will play the curtain raiser game of the IPL 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. CSK management and former skipper MS Dhoni made a big decision regarding leadership role in the side. Dhoni decided to step away as CSK captain and hand over captaincy to opener Ruturaj Gaikwad. This is for the second time Dhoni decided to step away from the leadership role of CSK.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has now revealed the thought behind appointing Ruturaj Gaikwad as leader of the next generation. Earlier in 2022, MS Dhoni handed over captaincy to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja was unsuccessful as captain and then Dhoni returned back to lead the side in middle of the season.

Stephen Fleming explains CSK’s decision

The five-time IPL title-winning coach Stephen Fleming was speaking to media on the sidelines of CSK practice session and revealed the thought behind picking Gaikwad ahead of Jadeja. Stephen Fleming said, “To be honest, the leadership group was not ready for Dhoni to step aside last time around. This year, we will be working very hard to have a leadership plan in place.”

CSK head coach Fleming also revealed that Dhoni was thinking that last year was the best year to pass on the baton. Fleming added, “MS took the call after much consideration. After last year, when we won the title, he felt that this was the best time(to hand the baton over).” Dhoni decided to extend his career for one more season to say thanks to his fans.

Fleming also accepted that Ravindra Jadeja episode left a bad experience for the franchise. Fleming said, “Jadeja went into CSK folklore with those two shots that he played in the last two balls of the last IPL. Jadeja is a tough character and there is a strong component of leadership in him and Ruturaj will definitely use his help.” CSK finished at ninth place in the points table of IPL 2022 under Jadeja’s leadership.

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