Mohammad Kaif has termed Ruturaj Gaikwad lucky after he was appointed as the new captain of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2024. Dhoni decided to leave the post a day before the first game of the 17th season between CSK and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Dhoni has been the most successful captain in the history of the tournament, with five titles and numerous runners-up finishes since 2008. Mahi was injured last season but was a player with a damaged knee and led the team to the fifth title.
With growing age and fitness issues limiting Dhoni’s movement as a batter and wicket-keeper, the veteran decided to take a back seat and let Ruturaj call the shots.
The move could backfire like in 2022 when Ravindra Jadeja failed to CSK from the front and resigned mid-way. Dhoni was forced to take up the charge once again.
Meanwhile, Kaif, who has played with Dhoni, reacted to the bold call.
“MS Dhoni knows when to step up and when to step down. Ruturaj Gaikwad is lucky to do his captaincy internship under the great leader. Thala the Grandmaster of T20 cricket,” he wrote on X.
The latest development has confirmed that the new season will be Dhoni’s last in the tournament. Having played in all the seasons, Dhoni knows how to bid farewell.
CSK revealed that Dhoni chose Gaikwad as his successor, and the franchise respected his choice. The opening batter came to the captain’s meet, which started the speculation, and IPL and the franchise later confirmed it.
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