A cricketing legend, MS Dhoni, enters the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season solely as a wicket-keeping batsman, having relieved himself of the Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy duties. His decision paved the way for Ruturaj Gaikwad to assume leadership.
Despite widespread anticipation, Dhoni’s announcement stirred strong emotions among fans and within the CSK dressing room, with tears flowing as he disclosed his decision, revealed Stephen Flaming.
Fleming said: “When Dhoni broke the news) there were 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.”
“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.”
“We’ve worked pretty hard” – Stephen Flaming
Recounting the poignant moment, Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming described the atmosphere as Dhoni revealed his intentions. This isn’t the first instance of Dhoni relinquishing the CSK captaincy; he had previously done so two years ago, only to reclaim the position mid-season when Ravindra Jadeja took over. However, Fleming anticipates a different outcome this time.
He further added: “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.”
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