Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been the captain of Chennai Super Kings since its inception. But how long will he stay? After that, someone has to take the leadership of this group. For that purpose, in 2022, the leadership was transferred to the shoulders of Ravindra Jadeja. But just as Jadeja was going to lose himself as the captain, he was also going to lose the team. It is said that Jadeja is at loggerheads with the Chennai authorities.
As a result, Dhoni had to take back the responsibility of leadership in an unexpected situation in the middle of the tournament. However, Chennai Super Kings have since looked to settle the next captain. At that time, Dhoni started developing the young opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad. Ruturaj made himself captain under Dhoni’s shadow for the last two years.
Dhoni led Chennai in IPL 2023 as well. He also championed the team; But behind the scenes, the work of preparing the next captain was going on. Even though Dhoni took the responsibility of bridging the gap between the Chennai authorities and Ravindra Jadeja, there was no thought of making him captain again. Because in 2022 Ruturaj is given the message to create himself. Dhoni took it upon himself to create Ruturaj.
The current captain of Chennai said that himself. Ruturaj said, ‘I still remember that day in 2022. The day I was first told about leadership. It is said – not next year, maybe from then you will have to lead. Prepare yourself that way. Since then I started preparing on my own. I really didn’t think that the leadership would come to me, or that someone else would be chosen. I heard what was said from the team.
Who first told you about leadership? Ruturaj said, ‘To be honest, Dhoni bhai told me first. There was not much talk then. He said it during a very general discussion. Dhoni brother came forward and told me one day in the middle of practice. Nice to hear. At the same time, stepping into the shoes of a cricketer like him also came to mind. Initially, I just thought, if I get the responsibility, I will try to maintain the culture of the team so far.
Apart from Dhoni, Chennai coach Stephen Fleming also gave important advice to Ruthuraj on leadership. He said, ‘Coach Fleming used to discuss with me last season. He used to discuss various aspects of leadership. He explained what should be done and what should not be done. He used to discuss bowling changes, fielding techniques. He used to sit separately with me after every match.
This time Dhoni stepped down from the leadership of Chennai on the day before the captain’s photo was taken in the IPL. Ruturaj’s name was announced as the new captain. How is the experience being as a captain? Ruturaj said, ‘I don’t think it is necessary for the captain to have a separate character. I am trying to do as I am told. Following the words of Dhoni bhai and Fleming sir. I will try to maintain the culture of the party. Because that culture has given us success. I believe it will be given in the future. We don’t want to change anything in our culture. I will try to give enough freedom to my teammates as I decide. Ever since I have been playing for Chennai, I have seen this. Nothing is imposed on anyone in this group. The environment I have enjoyed for so long, I want it to be maintained.’
Chennai did not start the IPL well. After winning the first two matches, two matches were lost. So everything is not going well? Ruturaj said, ‘It is never possible to win 14 matches in a competition like IPL. There will be both success and failure. Be prepared to lose four, five, six or seven matches. That doesn’t mean we won’t try. I will try to win every match. Sometimes the opponent plays very well. Sometimes the toss becomes important. Opportunities are never properly exploited. All this will be in the game. But don’t stop trying. Every team here is strong enough. No one can be taken lightly. It is very difficult to beat all the teams especially at home.
Ruturaj wants to follow the path shown by Dhoni in the future. As long as Dhoni plays, he will take his advice on the field as well. He wants to take better leadership lessons. It was also seen on the field how Dhoni is guiding Ruturaj. Dhoni is always teaching Ruturaj leadership by mentoring him.
IHS/
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