CSK fans, it’s official! Ruturaj Gaikwad is the new captain of Chennai Super Kings, and the decision wasn’t made overnight. MS Dhoni himself revealed why the young batter was chosen to lead the five-time champions.
Dhoni’s Thought Process Behind Gaikwad’s Appointment
After CSK’s convincing win over Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025’s season opener, Dhoni addressed the big question—why Ruturaj Gaikwad?
👉 “You have to look at the long-term picture. More often than not, batters who are part of your core squad and perform consistently are the ones who stay for the long haul. With fast bowlers, there’s always a risk of injuries,” said Dhoni.
👉 “Ruturaj has been with us for a long time, he has performed well, and his temperament is solid. He’s calm, composed, and shares a great understanding with Stephen Fleming. That’s why he was the best choice for captaincy.”
Dhoni’s Mentorship: Handholding, But No Hand-Holding!
But here’s the kicker—Dhoni had already prepared Gaikwad for this role last year!
“After IPL 2024, I told Ruturaj, ‘There’s a 90% chance you’ll lead next season, so start preparing yourself mentally.’ Before IPL 2025 began, I told him, ‘If I give advice, it doesn’t mean you have to follow it. I’ll try to stay away as much as possible.”
revealed Dhoni.
And for those who thought Dhoni was calling the shots from behind the scenes, here’s his response:
👉 “People speculated I was making the decisions. But the fact is, Ruturaj made 99% of the calls—field placements, bowling changes, everything. I just helped him when needed.”
Thala Still Has the Reflexes of a 25-Year-Old!
Even though Gaikwad is leading CSK, Dhoni’s influence is still everywhere—from mentoring to pulling off a mind-blowing stumping.
In CSK’s first match of IPL 2025, Dhoni stunned everyone by dismissing Suryakumar Yadav in just 0.12 seconds! At 43, he’s still one of the fastest behind the stumps and remains a key figure in the squad.
Grolife Takeaway for Sports Fans:
✅ Dhoni isn’t just about stats; he builds leaders!
✅ Gaikwad isn’t a shadow captain—he’s truly in charge!
✅ Even without the captain’s armband, Dhoni’s legacy is unshakable at CSK.
CSK fans, what do you think—Can Ruturaj carry forward Dhoni’s winning legacy? 🏏💛 Drop your thoughts in the comments!
