Former India captain MS Dhoni called time on his captaincy stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), stepping down as the skipper of Chennai Super Kings ahead of the start of the 2024 season, paving the way for Ruturaj Gaikwad to take the baton in his hand. Though inevitable, the decision did hurt cricket fans as an era came to an end. But, veteran India and former CSK skipper Ravichandran Ashwin doesn’t think the big call was taken suddenly. The off-spinner, who plays for Rajasthan Royals, suggests that Dhoni would’ve spoken to Ruturaj about the change last year.
“This was an inevitable decision. It had to come at some stage,” Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“I know MS Dhoni. He keeps the team at the forefront. He keeps thinking about the well-being of the team. Because of that, 2 years ago, he gave the captain’s armband to Jadeja. Now, he has given it to Ruturaj. This decision had to happen. Who and how remained the question.”
Ashwin believes that the message of captaincy change would’ve been conveyed to Ruturaj last year by Dhoni. The opening batter, hence, would’ve been ready to take charge as the new season began.
“Ruturaj wouldn’t have thought his role was only a batter until yesterday. I know MS Dhoni very well. Sitting in his room, enjoying dinner with the youngsters, he must have told Ruturaj last year, I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case. ‘Brother, you are going to take charge. You can do all these things. I will be there, don’t worry’ is something that Dhoni night have told Ruturaj well in advance.”
Ashwin was also full of praise for Gaikwad, drawing similarities between his character and Dhoni’s, suggesting both are calm and composed personalities.
“I know Ruturaj, he is extremely cool and calm. He is a very good human being. I am extremely elated for him,” Ashwin backed the young opener to find success,” said the off-spinner.
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