Sports

Experts Analyze Shock Ruturaj Gaikwad CSK Captaincy Move, Question MS Dhoni’s Readiness for Full IPL 2024

The new Chennai Super Rulers (CSK) captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was disclosed on the day of the team’s first IPL 2024 match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium between the ruling champions and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Hence, with this unexpected choice, MS Dhoni, who had already resigned as captain in 2022, marked the end of a prosperous period. The move immediately rekindled conversation about the CSK legend’s looming retirement and raised concerns about his level of fitness and competition preparation. Dhoni had used a similar strategy to elevate Ravindra Jadeja to the captaincy position two seasons prior. But as Chennai’s season got off to a bad start and Dhoni failed to live up to expectations both at the bat and with the ball, he took back the captaincy and led the team to a spectacular comeback in 2023, when they won their sixth championship.

Dhoni’s winning run for CSK was anticipated to be his last IPL season, but he made a final vow to return. He underwent knee surgery a few days after the IPL final, healed throughout the year, and last month joined the CSK camp in Chennai to be ready for the 2024 IPL. In an interview, former Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody said that he was left wondering if his preparation for the tournament was sufficient after receiving a call from Dhoni. Analyzing the rationale behind the captaincy change, he also thought that the 42-year-old was most likely questioned about his ability to participate in the full 2024 Indian Premier League.

The first thought that sprang to mind when I heard the news was whether or not Dhoni’s physical preparation had gone as planned up until that point. Keep in mind that he is 40 years old and has played a significant quantity of cricket, which can wear out a keeper’s physique. This allows him some flexibility without jeopardizing the team, as he was likely questioned about his ability to compete for the entire tournament. This may be the case,” he stated.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Leaves CSK in Tears, Shocks Teammates on IPL Eve: Emotional Scene Unfolds in Dressing Room

On the same panel, though, former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer believed that Dhoni would be a key player this season because Chennai lacks a veteran wicketkeeper-batter, and he would also coach Gaikwad. “This season, I envision him playing for the most part. There’s a U19 wicketkeeper as a backup. It is not advisable to dismiss him immediately. If he had chosen to retire at all, the conclusion of the previous season after winning the championship would have been the appropriate time. However, since he has chosen to take on the mentor role for this season, I believe he will be a key player in supporting Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, he didn’t see him playing at all, in his opinion.

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