'MS Dhoni must have told..': R Ashwin opens up on Ruturaj Gaikwad becoming CSK skipper

MS Dhoni surprised everyone just a day before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 opener by relinquishing the captaincy duties of Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni had done a similar thing two years back and at that time, the franchise had decided to appoint Ravindra Jadeja as the skipper of the team. This time, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named the captain of the franchise. Former CSK star Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his views on the topic, stating that he was not surprised by the move. During an interaction on his YouTube channel, the Indian spin magician revealed that he saw it coming and that Dhoni might have conveyed this to Gaikwad in the last season as well.

“This was an inevitable decision. It had to come at some stage,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"I know MS Dhoni. He keeps the team at the forefront. He keeps thinking about the well-being of the team. Because of that, 2 years ago, he gave the captain's armband to Jadeja. Now, he has given it to Ruturaj. This decision had to happen. Who and how remained the question. Ruturaj wouldn't have thought his role was only a batter until yesterday. I know MS Dhoni very well. Sitting in his room, enjoying dinner with the youngsters, he must have told Ruturaj last year, I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. 'Brother, you are going to take charge. You can do all these things. I will be there, don't worry' is something that Dhoni night has told Ruturaj well in advance”, he added.

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Ashwin also said that just like Dhoni, Gaikwad is also calm and composed and expressed his happiness for the young opener. “I know Ruturaj, he is extremely cool and calm. He is a very good human being. I am extremely elated for him," Ashwin backed the young opener to find success.

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2024 opener on Friday. Gaikwad will certainly receive a warm welcome as the fixture will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Under Dhoni’s leadership, Chennai Super Kings have won the IPL title five times. Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL title last year by beating Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 final that was held in Ahmedabad.