NEW DELHI:
Ruturaj Gaikwad
, the young opener for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has seamlessly transitioned from
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
's mentee to the captain of one of the most successful IPL units.
Despite the lack of extensive discussions on leadership tactics between the two, Gaikwad had been subtly prepared by Dhoni for the role, a revelation that sheds light on the meticulous planning of the CSK management.
"To be honest, not really deep conversations. I feel it was in a very chilled state. Just one conversation I would say. Just we were practicing and he came and told me all this stuff," Gaikwad shared during the post-match press conference after CSK's win over Kolkata Knight Riders.
"I remember in 2022 when he told me, 'Probably not next year, but after that, you might get a chance to lead, so be ready for it'. So, obviously after that, I was always ready for it," Gaikwad recalled, highlighting Dhoni's foresight in grooming him for leadership.
Reflecting on his approach to leadership, Gaikwad emphasized continuity, stating, "I just want to come here, make my own decisions and just give as much freedom as possible because that's what has been happening from when I joined CSK. Nothing really changes and I'm enjoying it a lot."
As Gaikwad continues to navigate the challenges of captaincy while maintaining his batting form, his journey serves as a testament to the trust and foresight of Dhoni and the CSK management. With his calm demeanor and commitment to continuity, Gaikwad aims to uphold the legacy of CSK and lead the team to further success in the IPL.
(With inputs from PTI)
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