‘MS Dhoni must have told Ruturaj last year’: Ashwin’s major claim after Gaikwad named CSK captain in last-minute change | Cricket

MS Dhoni once again created a surprise just before the opening match of the Indian Premier League; two years after stepping down as captain to make way for Ravindra Jadeja on the eve of CSK’s first match, Dhoni did the same – this time, for Ruturaj Gaikwad. The star keeper-batsman – who had led the team to a remarkable title win last year – was widely expected to continue leading the team this year, but Dhoni, with the team’s leadership of CSK, answered a call for the future, handing over the captaincy to young opener Gaikwad.

For Dhoniit’s the old one CSK teammate and Indian star Ravichandran Ashwin, however, this was not a surprise. Ashwin called the decision “inevitable” on his official YouTube channel, saying Dhoni could have communicated his intentions to Gaikwad from last season.

“It was an inevitable decision. It had to happen at some point,” Ashwin said.

“I know MS Dhoni. He keeps the team at the forefront. He keeps thinking about the welfare of the team. That’s why 2 years ago he gave the armband captaincy to Jadeja. Now he gave it to Ruturaj. This decision had to be made, but the question remained who and how.

“Until yesterday, Ruturaj would not have thought that his role was only as a batter. I know MS Dhoni very well. Sitting in his room, having dinner with the youngsters, he must have told Ruturaj last year, I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case. “Brother, you’re going to take matters into your own hands. You can do all of these things. I will be there, don’t worry, this is something Dhoni Night told Ruturaj well in advance.

Ashwin also believes that Gaikwad, like Dhoni, is a calm character and expressed his happiness for CSK’s opening match. “I know Ruturaj, he is extremely cool and calm. He is a very good human being. I am extremely delighted for him,” Ashwin told the young opener for success, said the off-line player.

CSK meets RCB

The new era begins for Chennai Super Kings on Friday as they meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match of IPL 2024. Gaikwad is expected to receive a grand welcome as the match takes place at the CSK ground, the Chepauk stadium. Under Dhoni’s reign, CSK have remained unbeaten against RCB in their home den since 2008, and Gaikwad will aim to keep that streak unbroken.