MS Dhoni, the legendary former captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has finally put to rest the rumors surrounding his continued influence on the team’s decisions after stepping down as captain. Many believed that Dhoni was still calling the shots from behind the scenes, but the iconic wicketkeeper-batter has made it clear that Ruturaj Gaikwad is the one making 99% of the on-field decisions. Dhoni, known for his calm demeanor and astute cricketing brain, stated that Gaikwad has been entrusted with complete control and has been executing his role brilliantly.
Speaking exclusively to JioHotstar, Dhoni explained his approach to guiding Gaikwad and emphasized that his suggestions were just that—suggestions.
“Before the start of the tournament, I told him, ‘If I give you advice, it doesn’t mean you have to follow it. I will try to stay away as much as possible.’ During the season, a lot of people speculated that I was making the decisions in the background. But the fact is, he was making 99% of the decisions. The most important calls—bowling changes, field placements—were all his. I was just helping him out. He did a brilliant job of handling the players,” Dhoni said.
A Smooth Transition: Dhoni’s Trust in Gaikwad
Filling Dhoni’s shoes was never going to be an easy task. With a record of five IPL titles and an unparalleled legacy, Dhoni left behind big shoes to fill. But the decision to hand over the reins to Gaikwad wasn’t a last-minute one. Dhoni revealed that the decision to appoint Gaikwad as captain was made after careful consideration, with a focus on long-term stability.
“You have to look at the long-term picture. More often than not, the batsmen who are part of your core squad and do well for you are the ones you can rely on for a longer period. With bowlers, especially fast bowlers, there is always a tendency for injuries,” Dhoni explained.
Gaikwad’s calm temperament and consistency over the years further strengthened his case for captaincy. Dhoni pointed out that Gaikwad had been a key part of the CSK setup for several seasons and had shown the kind of temperament that was needed to lead a high-profile franchise like CSK.
“Ruturaj has been part of us for quite some time. He has done well for us. His temperament is very good—he’s very calm, very composed. He and (coach Stephen) Fleming get along very well. So those were the reasons we considered him for leadership. We were quite sure Ruturaj would be good for us. After IPL last year, I almost immediately told him, ‘90% you will lead next season, so start preparing yourself mentally,’” Dhoni revealed.
Additionally, Gaikwad’s deep understanding of CSK’s culture and philosophy played a big role in his appointment. Having been part of the CSK system for years, Gaikwad was well aware of the franchise’s values, its approach to nurturing young talent, and its emphasis on stability and loyalty.
“He and Fleming share a very good rapport, and that’s important when you’re leading a team like CSK. Communication between the captain and the coach is key, and Ruturaj has built a solid relationship with Fleming over the years,” Dhoni added.
Dhoni’s Role: Advisor, Not Controller
Despite stepping down from the captaincy, Dhoni remains an integral part of the CSK setup. His presence in the dressing room and on the field provides a sense of security to the team, but Dhoni made it clear that he was not micromanaging Gaikwad’s decisions.
“I was always there to help him, but I didn’t want to interfere. I told him right at the start that he should take his own decisions. The most important calls—bowling changes, field placements—were all his. I was just there to help him out if needed,” Dhoni said.
Dhoni’s approach has been to allow Gaikwad to grow into the role naturally, giving him the space to make mistakes, learn, and evolve as a leader.
“When you’re a young captain, you need to learn by taking your own decisions. I wanted Ruturaj to have that freedom. I gave him advice, but he always had the choice to ignore it if he felt something else was better. And he did that brilliantly,” Dhoni added.
Gaikwad’s Strong Start as CSK Captain
CSK began IPL Season 18 on a high note under Gaikwad’s captaincy, registering a win against Mumbai Indians in the El Clasico. Gaikwad’s leadership was put to the test as CSK chased down a challenging target, with Rachin Ravindra playing a key role in securing the victory in the final over.
Gaikwad’s ability to stay composed during the chase and his astute field placements earned him praise from both fans and experts. Dhoni, watching from behind the stumps, looked visibly pleased as his protégé guided the team to victory.
The Mentorship Factor: Dhoni’s Influence on Gaikwad
Dhoni’s influence on Gaikwad goes beyond just on-field advice. Over the years, Dhoni has mentored several young cricketers, shaping them into match-winners. Gaikwad’s growth as a cricketer and leader has been significantly influenced by Dhoni’s mentorship.
“After IPL last year, I almost immediately told him, ‘90% you will lead next season, so start preparing yourself mentally.’ I wanted him to be mentally prepared for the challenges that come with captaincy,” Dhoni said.
Dhoni’s emphasis on mental preparation and staying calm under pressure has rubbed off on Gaikwad, who has shown remarkable maturity in handling tough situations.
CSK’s Future Looks Bright Under Gaikwad
With Gaikwad at the helm and Dhoni providing valuable guidance from the sidelines, CSK’s future looks promising. The franchise has a history of grooming leaders and fostering a culture of consistency and loyalty, and Gaikwad seems ready to carry that legacy forward.
Dhoni’s decision to step aside and allow Gaikwad to take charge is a testament to his long-term vision for CSK. By nurturing Gaikwad as a leader, Dhoni has ensured that CSK remains a formidable force in the IPL for years to come.
What Lies Ahead for CSK and Gaikwad
As the IPL season progresses, Gaikwad will continue to face new challenges, but with Dhoni’s guidance and CSK’s support system behind him, he looks well-equipped to lead the team successfully. CSK fans can look forward to an exciting era under Gaikwad’s leadership, with the promise of maintaining the team’s winning culture.
Final Thoughts: Dhoni’s Legacy and Gaikwad’s New Chapter
MS Dhoni’s legacy as CSK’s captain is unmatched, but his ability to pass on the baton gracefully to Gaikwad speaks volumes about his foresight and leadership. Gaikwad, on the other hand, has embraced the challenge with composure and confidence, proving that CSK’s future is in safe hands.
As Dhoni rightly said, “Leadership is not about making all the decisions yourself, it’s about empowering others to take responsibility and grow.” Ruturaj Gaikwad is doing just that, and with Dhoni’s continued mentorship, CSK’s journey looks as thrilling as ever.
