The change of guard has officially taken place at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with Ruturaj Gaikwad replacing MS Dhoni as the captain of the franchise. The decision was communicated just a day before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 was to begin. While a change has taken place on paper, how big a say does Ruturaj have when it comes to decision-making on the field, in comparison to Dhoni? CSK pacer Deepak Chahar admitted there’s confusion as he has been seeking instructions from both Dhoni and Ruturaj over the first two games of the campaign.
The Super Kings kicked off the 17th season of the T20 league by winning their first two matches, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT). While the results show Gaikwad getting off to a 100% start, it seems like the transfer of the baton from Dhoni hasn’t fully taken place yet.
“I got to look at Mahi (MSD) bhai and at Ruturaj – both of them these days for field placements and all. So there is a bit of confusion where to look now but Ruturaj is doing well and he is leading the way,” Chahar said in a chat with the broadcaster after the match on Tuesday.
Chahar also opened up on his role in the franchise, since the captaincy change from Dhoni to Ruturaj took place. Not much has changed for him, as he remains the franchise’s go-to player when taking wickets in the powerplay.
“Since the time I have been playing, I have been bowling 3 overs in the powerplay, used to it, just trying to bowl as well as possible with the new rules around,” he said.
Chahar also spoke about the new rule in IPL that allows a bowler to deliver two bouncers in an over. The seamer is delighted to have the option as it helps pacers up their game.
“Earlier, if you bowled a bouncer in the first 2-3 balls, batters were always ready for a full-length ball, but this new rule with two bouncers allowed in an over, it helps all the pacers. There’s bounce always, but there’s not much dew around at the moment. The ball grips and bounces in such conditions,” he asserted.
Chahar was brilliant with the new ball for CSK, picking up the wickets of Wriddhiman Saha and Shuban Gill while producing figures of 2/28 in 4 overs.
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