In IPL 2024, Ravi Shastri offered insights into MS Dhoni‘s decision to pass the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, hinting at Dhoni’s potential retirement. Two years prior, Dhoni had transferred leadership to Ravindra Jadeja, but this change didn’t yield the desired results, prompting Dhoni to reassume the role midway through the season. This time, however, Dhoni’s choice appears to have hit the mark, with Gaikwad assuming captaincy just before the season opener.
Shastri, having worked closely with Dhoni during his final years in the Indian team, speculated on Dhoni’s future, suggesting that this could be his last season. He emphasized Dhoni’s willingness to take a backseat, offering support to Gaikwad as needed. Despite Dhoni’s reduced involvement in decision-making, CSK started the season with two victories under Gaikwad’s captaincy.
Gaikwad’s leadership debut saw CSK triumph over Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans in the initial matches. On March 21, it was officially announced that Dhoni would relinquish the captaincy to Gaikwad. CSK’s statement affirmed Dhoni’s decision, expressing confidence in Gaikwad’s ability to lead the team. Gaikwad, a key player for CSK since 2019, has featured in 52 IPL matches during his tenure with the franchise.
MS Dhoni’s Final Season Depends on His Body: Ravi Shastri
“This is MS Dhoni’s last season okay, very clear. You know depends how his body copes with everything, whether he plays the whole season or doesn’t play the whole season, only time will tell,” Shastri told Star Sports. “But what he has done is that he said, I don’t want to give the job to Ruturaj halfway through the tournament.”
“Be in the hot seat from the outside, I am watching from the back, if he needs some help I’m there to help him out but I think as compared to the year when Jadeja was captain, MS will take more and more of the backseat and probably contribute just in a little way between the drinks break or something like that,” Shastri added.
“MS Dhoni has handed over Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the start of TATA IPL 2024,” CSK said in an official statement. “Ruturaj has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019 and has played 52 matches in IPL during this period. The team looks forward to the upcoming season,” it added.
Looking ahead, CSK aims to extend their winning streak as they face Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam. In contrast, Delhi Capitals have had a rough start to the season, suffering defeats in both of their matches.
Overall, Shastri’s remarks shed light on Dhoni’s strategic decision-making process, Gaikwad’s promising start as captain, and the anticipation surrounding CSK’s performance under new leadership. As Dhoni potentially enters his final season, the transition to Gaikwad represents a significant moment for CSK and the IPL landscape.
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