On Ruturaj Gaikwad as Chennai Super Kings captain: He's transitioned into the job seamlessly

So far, Chennai Super Kings have won two out of three IPL 2024 matches they have played under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Image via X)

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been impressive as the new captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with two wins, and a loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 so far. Former skipper and five-time IPL winner Mahendra Singh Dhoni is mentoring him on the field. CSK coach Stephen Fleming told media: "To transition into the job is not easy, but he's done it seamlessly. We're using MS (Dhoni) as well, still as part of the decision-making. So he, along with (Ravindra) Jadeja providing leadership off the field, and he's doing really well."

Indeed, Ruturaj has garnered praise for decisions such as sending Sameer Rizvi out to bat ahead of Dhoni and Jadeja, in the 19th over of IPL 2024 Match 7 against the Gujarat Titans on March 26. Rizvi's six-ball 14 included two sixes and helped take Chennai to 206/6.

To be sure, Ruturaj's succession has gone down with CSK fans more smoothly than some other new captains. Case in point: Rohit Sharma, another five-time IPL champion, could have prepared Hardik Pandya as the future captain if Mumbai Indians had he not rushed to remove the senior pro unceremoniously. Sharma's wife, Ritika Sajdeh, had openly condemned head coach Mark Boucher's explanation behind the decision. Nonetheless, Pandya did go to Sharma for help when Sunrisers Hyderabad batters were unstoppable against Mumbai last week. And this is the mentorship all the new captains need from the senior players in their franchise.

Setting the field together

The 27-year-old batter from Maharashtra under whose leadership India won the gold medal at the Asian Games 2023, Ruturaj Gaikwad is leading CSK in the IPL with help from Dhoni, among India's best white-ball captain who won both T20 and ODI World Cups. "I got to look at MSD and Ruturaj both for field placements. So there is a bit of confusion about where to look now, but Ruturaj is doing well and leading the way," CSK fast bowler Deepak Chahar told the broadcasters after the victory over Gujarat Titans.

Hardik Pandya under Rohit Sharma

One shouldn't be surprised to see Sharma set the field for Pandya in the remaining few matches. Pandya can learn quick decision-making and improvisation from Sharma while working together.

Pandya made his IPL debut with MI, so there is a distinct comfort zone. He unleashed his power-hitting skills with an unbeaten 61 against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium. The next half-century came in 2018 with 50 off 42 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore. He had also picked up three wickets in that match.

He found his game under Sharma's leadership, and it is time to sharpen his captaincy skills under the same man. So far, Mumbai have lost three out of three.

Shubman Gill under Kane Williamson

New Zealand veteran Kane Williamson, under whom the nation won 22 out of 40 Tests, must be sharing his ideas with Shubman Gill, who was named captain of Gujarat Titans after Pandya's departure. The leadership came early for the 24-year-old, but he can do wonders if he follows his instincts and mind. Williamson has called him a "sharp thinker."

"I will be more than happy to help Shubman in any way I can, and Shubman knows that. He (Gill) is a great player and a great cricketing brain. As for the team and myself, I would generally like to share some ideas," Williamson was quoted as saying to PTI ahead of the season.

Pandya has already won the IPL as captain. If Gill and Gaikwad do well, there could be a selection conundrum in finding the next Indian white-ball captain.