DHONI’S TRUST MEANT A LOT TO ME: RUTURAJ GAIKWAD
In an exclusive series on JioHotstar called ‘Power Play’, TATA IPL experts AB de Villiers, Anil Kumble, Shane Watson, Ajay Jadeja, and Aakash Chopra talk about the legacy of Chennai Super Kings, and how Ruturaj Gaikwad can take it forward
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Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar and reflecting on MS Dhoni’s legacy with CSK and his bond with Chennai Super Kings, the experts said:
Aakash Chopra: “The bond between MS Dhoni and Chennai is truly heartwarming. It’s rare for a player from another city to be embraced so completely as one of their own.”
Ajay Jadeja: “It’s been a beautiful journey. When the IPL started in 2008, every team had its own icon—Yuvraj Singh for Punjab, Virender Sehwag for Delhi. No one could have imagined back then that Dhoni would become the son of Chennai.”
Anil Kumble : “Tamil Nadu has a history of hero worship, so it was only a matter of time before MS Dhoni earned that status, where fans truly idolized him.”
Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar on CSK’s leadership transition, the experts and the skipper himself said:
Shane Watson: “The incredible part is that, even at 42, MS Dhoni is still delivering moments of brilliance. Though his role is more limited now, his impact on the team—and especially the fans—remains invaluable.”
Aakash Chopra: “When your season doesn’t go well, you turn around and say, look at Dhoni, he’s batting low. Dhoni is no longer the captain. Was he just occupying a place? Personally, I don’t see it like that. I think it’s a big part of Chennai Super Kings and Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s strategy that you have to hold your hand to the next king in line.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad : “Just a week before the tournament last year, MS Dhoni came up to me and said, ‘I’m not leading this year—you are.’ I was taken aback, asking, ‘From the first game? Are you sure?’ With just a few days to prepare, it was overwhelming. But he assured me, ‘This is your team. You make your own decisions. I won’t interfere—except when field placements are a 50-50 call. Even then, it’s not a compulsion to follow my advice. That trust meant a lot to me.”
Shane Watson: “I was a bit surprised that Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj, considering his unmatched leadership instincts. But he understands the importance of a smooth transition, and it’s better for that transition to happen while he is still around to guide the team.”
Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, the experts said:
Anil Kumble: “When Rohit Sharma became captain, he also had the legends of the game around him. So it all depends on how, as an individual, you’re going to take this responsibility. And I thought Ruturaj certainly handed it really well.”
Aakash Chopra: “When a highly experienced captain is still on the field, his presence can be either an asset or overwhelming. Some players might wonder, ‘Am I really leading, or is the team still looking to the former captain?’ But Dhoni’s personality is exceptional—he ensures the transition is seamless without overshadowing the new leader.”
Robin Uthappa: “CSK had a fantastic 2023 season, and the timing felt right to pass on the leadership. Ruturaj has a calm demeanor, quite similar to Dhoni’s. He is evolving as a leader, and with time, his performances will reflect that growth.”
Shane Watson: “Ruturaj has done an excellent job. Despite the pressure of having Dhoni around, it hasn’t affected his ability to score runs. That speaks volumes about how well CSK’s succession plan is working.”
Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar about expectations for MS Dhoni this season, the experts said:
Aakash Chopra: “I think the planning for the post-Dhoni era has begun. Because now we can see that a time is coming when Dhoni as a player will not be a part of that group.”
Anil Kumble: “With Ruturaj leading the side, this could be a season where Dhoni may not even take the field. He might still be part of the squad, thanks to retention rules, and with the impact player rule, his presence can still be valuable without playing every game.”
AB de Villiers: “Gotta give credit to him for encouraging millions of fans out there to watch the game of cricket and to be inspired. It’s because of guys like him who have really carried the game well over a very long period of time. Touch wood, hopefully it continues for a few more years to come.”
Catch bites from AB de Villiers, Virender Sehwag, Aakash Chopra, Shane Watson, Graeme Smith and others in ‘Power-Play’, streaming on the JioHotstar app
