'I want to try and be in my shoes, not fill anybody's shoes': Gaikwad on succeeding Dhoni as CSK captain

Newly-appointed Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad on Friday revealed that while he was given a heads up about the change in leadership a week before the opening match of the 2024 Indian Premier League against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he had a fair idea about the same last year.

The Maharashtra wicketkeeper-batter also insisted he was trying to create his own legacy as captain of what is one of the most successful teams in cricket, and not just "fill anybody's shoes".

Gaikwad made heads turn when he showed up during the pre-season conference for captains, with the five-time champions and current trophy-holders then formally announcing MS Dhoni's decision to step down as captain.

Also Read | Why CSK chose Ruturaj Gaikwad as MS Dhoni's successor?

In his first toss as CSK skipper during Friday's season opener against southern rivals RCB, the Maharashtra keeper-batter revealed that while he was officially made aware of the situation a week in advance, Dhoni himself had dropped a hint last season, in which he led the Super Kings to their fifth title.

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"Feel priviledged. But I want to try and be in my shoes, not fill anybody's shoes. I got to know last week, but Mahi bhai hinted at it last year," Gaikwad said during toss, in which RCB skipper Faf du Plessis opted to bat.

LIVE: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL 2024, Match 1

Chennai had a couple of new faces in their XI, with New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra and uncapped Indian batter Sameer Rizvi making their IPL debuts on Friday. Ravindra had been a revelation in last year's ICC World Cup that took place in India, finishing the highest run-scorer for the Black Caps and playing a crucial role in guiding them to the semi-finals.

“Everyone is experienced here, sadly we are missing Conway and Pathirana. We've got Rachin and Mitchell coming in though this year so they should fit in well. Looks like a good pitch, a hard surface that should hold up well for the second innings. Four overseas - Mitchell, Rachin, Fizz and Theekshana. The domestic player Sameer Rizvi is making his debut as well,” Gaikwad adding during his chat with former India head coach Ravi Shastri.