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Just one day ahead of the start of IPL 2024, the former skipper of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad for the upcoming season. However, it was already speculated that Gaikwad may take over as the CSK skipper after Dhoni’s retirement, but the five-time winning captain shocked everyone by stepping down from the role just one day ahead of CSK’s opening game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 22nd March.
Speaking after getting appointed as CSK skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad said that he is excited to lead the side and there’s ‘nothing much to worry about’ for him. Gaikwad also said that he will have the guidance of senior players like Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane that will help him to groom as a leader.
“It feels good. It’s a privilege obviously. I feel more than that. It’s a huge responsibility but I’m really excited because of the kind of group we have. Everyone’s experienced enough, so not much to do for me. Plus, I have Mahi (Dhoni) bhai in the team, Jaddu (Jadeja) bhai as well, Ajju (Rahane) bhai as well, who’s been a great captain, to guide me. Nothing much to worry, just looking forward to enjoy it,” Gaikwad was quoted as saying by India Today.
"Feels Good! It's a privilege!" – Captain Rutu 🗣️🦁 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/HPyWuEajIg
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2024
The confirmation of Gaikwad being the CSK skipper was given by the official social media account of the IPL in the captains’ photoshoot ahead of the 17th season. With this, Dhoni, who led CSK to their fifth title last year, will now be seen playing as a senior player in the team.
CSK Squad for IPL 2024
MS Dhoni (c), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avanish Rao Aravelly.
