India's ace veteran off-spinner
Ravichandran Ashwin
asserts that
Ruturaj Gaikwad
's ascent to leadership in the IPL with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) hasn't been hasty. According to Ashwin, given Mahendra Singh Dhoni's seasoned approach, it's likely that the cricketing legend had discussed the prospect of captaincy with Gaikwad long before.
The announcement of Gaikwad taking over the helm of CSK a day before the commencement of the 2024 season marks a significant shift.
This transition had been attempted previously during the 2022 edition, albeit unsuccessfully, when Ravindra Jadeja relinquished the captaincy after eight games and Dhoni led again.
Ashwin finds the decision unsurprising, considering the team's past attempts at leadership transitions.
"This decision was inevitable and it was coming at some stage. I have known MS Dhoni, and he keeps the team at the forefront and keeps thinking about the team's well-being," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
"Because of that, two years ago, he had given the captain's armband to Jadeja. He has handed it to Ruturaj now. The decision had to happen, while who and how was the question."
Ashwin belives the decision must have come after a lot of deliberation.
"Ruturaj wouldn't have thought that he would be playing only as a batter until yesterday. I believe Dhoni must have told Ruturaj last year - 'Brother, you are going to take charge. You can do it. I will be there, so you don't need to worry'," said Ashwin.
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When it comes to Gaikwad's leadership potential, Ashwin expressed confidence in his ability to succeed. Drawing parallels between Gaikwad and Dhoni, he noted their shared traits of calmness and composure, rating both highly in terms of character.
"I have known Ruturaj, an extremely cool and calm, and a very good human being. Extremely elated for him," added Ashwin.
'Be ready' - Gaikwad says Dhoni dropped a hint last year
After being officially named as CSK's skipper, Gaikwad revealed that Dhoni had subtly hinted at a change in the team's leadership during the previous season.
"Last year itself, Mahi bhai had hinted about captaincy at some point in time. He just hinted that 'be ready, it shouldn't be a surprise to you'. When we came into the camp, he involved me in some of the match simulations," he told IPLT20.com.
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