New Delhi: Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni denied the speculations that he is still the decision-maker at the franchise and is running the team despite having handed over the reins to skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad last year. Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain ahead of the start of IPL 2024 to pass over the baton to Gaikwad, who is leading the team at present.
The most successful captain in IPL history, Dhoni led CSK to five IPL titles and 10 finals during his tenure. Despite being 43, he remains a vital cog in the CSK line-up and is still considered the guiding force in the squad. Dhoni revealed he still shares advice with Gaikwad and helps him in taking decisions on the field but insisted that he never persuades him to follow his advice.
“Ruturaj has been part of us for quite some time. His temperament is very good, he’s very calm, very composed. So those were the reasons we considered him for leadership,” Dhoni said on Jio Hotstar.
“Before the start of the tournament, I also told him, ‘If I give you advice, it doesn’t mean you have to follow it. I will try to stay away as much as possible.’ During the season, a lot of people speculated that I was making the decisions in the background. But the fact is, he was making 99 per cent of the decisions,” he added.
Gaikwad was often spotted seeking help and advice from Dhoni in crunch moments during his debut season as CSK captain in IPL 2024 last year. However, Dhoni mostly remained in the backseat and allowed Gaikwad to make his own decisions. The legendary wicket-keeper batter revealed the majority of decisions taken on the field for CSK last year were by skipper Gaikwad and he had no role in it.
“The most important calls — bowling changes, field placements — were all his. I was just helping him out. He did a brilliant job of handling the players,” said Dhoni.
Ruturaj Gaikwad aims to help CSK lift record sixth title
Gaikwad impressed as a leader in his debut season as captain for CSK, helping them finish fifth as they closely missed out on a spot in the playoffs. He also finished the season as the second-highest run-getter with 583 runs from 14 matches and was the leading run-getter for the franchise. Gaikwad has been one of the most consistent performers with the bat for CSK over the last few years and will be hoping to do well in the leadership role as well.
Chennai Super Kings got off to a winning start in IPL 2025 after beating arch-rivals Mumbai Indians by 4 wickets in their opening game of the season at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni recently opened up on his role at the franchise under skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and responded to the rumours that he is still running the show from behind the stumps. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
