'It's not compulsion that...': Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals what MS Dhoni told him when handing over the CSK captaincy

NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League witnessed important captaincy changes as Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, two behemoths with five IPL titles each, entrusted new leadership ahead of the season. MS Dhoni gracefully passed the CSK baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad, while Hardik Pandya took the helm at Mumbai Indians, succeeding Rohit Sharma.
CSK's leadership transition unfolded seamlessly, eliciting minimal disturbance within the established hierarchy, in stark contrast to the considerable backlash faced by Mumbai Indians.
As the IPL league stage reached its crescendo, the contrasting fortunes of the two teams have become apparent. Mumbai Indians suffered an unexpected setback, becoming the first team to bow out of the playoffs race. Conversely, CSK remain firmly in contention.

Reflecting on his newfound role, Gaikwad offered insights into the transition process, emphasizing Dhoni's supportive stance while allowing him autonomy in decision-making.
"Last year in almost every game I was thinking about what changes I would make, what bowling changes I would make if I am there," Gaikwad reflected on his journey. "I am really happy that I took control of the first game as a captain and not really asked for suggestions from him [Dhoni]."
Gaikwad disclosed what Dhoni told him when handing over the CSK reign and how the maestro stood firm next to the new captain.

"He definitely said one thing - 'Whatever you do, it's your own decision, it's your own responsibility to take care. I am not going to interfere in anything. Just the field angles, if I think that somewhere it's like 50-50, I will definitely help in that. Whatever it is, batting order and everything you will have to take care'," Gaikwad said.
"I think whatever fielding angle I change, fielding replacement I do there's definitely I look at him. Even he make sure that he has an eye on me. But he also mentioned that - 'Make sure that it's not compulsion that if I tell you something you have to follow that. You can still take up your own decision'," Gaikwad elaborated.

As CSK seek to solidify their playoff berth, Gaikwad's leadership faces a crucial test against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, a matchup laden with significance in the context of their playoff aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Royals, positioned second in the standings, aim to rebound from successive defeats and consolidate their playoff entry under Sanju Samson's leadership.