IPL 2025: Former CSK captain MS Dhoni has brushed away all the speculations of him leading the side internally despite Ruturaj Gaikwad being the skipper. In the latest episode of 'MS Dhoni Experience', he revealed that he has even told Gaikwad that he is free to ignore MSD's advice. The statement from Dhoni comes after a lot of speculations suggesting that Dhoni is the one making decision for the team on field.
Speaking exclusively to JioHotstar, Dhoni said, “Before the start of the tournament, I also told him, ‘If I give you advice, it doesn’t mean you have to follow it. I will try to stay away as much as possible.’ During the season, a lot of people speculated that I was making the decisions in the background. But the fact is, he was making 99% of the decisions. The most important calls—bowling changes, field placements—were all his. I was just helping him out. He did a brilliant job of handling the players.”
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It was always going to be difficult for anyone to step into the big shoes of MS Dhoni given his legendary status and IPL title wins the franchise. However, the 5-time IPL winning captain said that the decision to make Gaikwad captain was taken after careful consideration.
"You have to look at the long-term picture. More often than not, the batsmen who are part of your core squad and do well for you are the ones you can rely on for a longer period. With bowlers, especially fast bowlers, there is always a tendency for injuries," Dhoni explained
MS Dhoni on choosing Ruturaj Gaikwad as his successor for CSK.pic.twitter.com/YN2yRFwfuP
yash (@yxshh27) March 24, 2025
“Ruturaj has been part of us for quite some time. He has done well for us. His temperament is very good—he’s very calm, very composed. He and Fleming get along very well. So those were the reasons we considered him for leadership. We were quite sure Ruturaj would be good for us. After IPL last year, I almost immediately told him, ‘90% you will lead next season, so start preparing yourself mentally,” he said.
Watch - How MS Dhoni eased Mumbai Indians’ Vignesh Puthur’s nerves after Chennai Super Kings victory
CSK kicked off Season 18 with a win against Mumbai Indians in the 'IPL El Clasico' on Sunday, marking his second season as captain. Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra guided the team to victory in a thrilling last-over chase.
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