Ruturaj Gaikwad, the young and talented opener for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been a revelation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His journey to the captaincy of one of the most successful IPL units reflects the trust and foresight of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the CSK management.
In 2021, Gaikwad played an instrumental role in CSK winning their fourth IPL title. With 635 runs, he was the highest run-scorer in the tournament. Ahead of the mega auction in 2022, CSK retained him for INR 6 crore. This was a clear indication of the franchise’s faith in his abilities and potential.
Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals his captaincy preparations for CSK
The grooming process for Gaikwad’s captaincy began in 2022. Dhoni, the charismatic former captain of CSK, told Gaikwad to be prepared for the captaincy. This was not a sudden decision but a meticulously planned move. Dhoni’s foresight in grooming Gaikwad for leadership is commendable.
Speaking to the media, Gaikwad said, “I remember in 2022 was when he told me that, ‘you know, probably not next year but after that you might get a chance to lead, so be ready for it’. So obviously after that, I was always preparing for it. It (the captaincy) didn’t come as news to me or was I bit surprised or shocked.”
The transition was subtle and well-planned. Head coach Stephen Fleming, an astute captain during his playing career, groomed Gaikwad for the role by having regular conversations. These discussions revolved around the game, the team’s strategies, and the thought process behind every decision.
“Last year, Fleming and I always used to discuss about the captain’s thing. After every game we spoke about how I felt, what bowling change I felt we needed to do and what was the thinking behind it. So, yeah, every game we had had one-on-one conversations. That was just really building it up for me,” Gaikwad said.
Gaikwad revealed that Dhoni’s advice was not about specific tactics but more about being ready for the role. Dhoni told him, “you know, probably not next year but after that you might get a chance to lead, so be ready for it”. This advice was not just about the captaincy but also about the responsibility and the expectations that come with it.
In 2024, Ruturaj Gaikwad took over the CSK captaincy from Dhoni. Despite the pressure of leading a team that Dhoni had led to multiple IPL titles, Gaikwad showed remarkable composure. He emphasized continuity and stated that he wanted to “keep the CSK culture intact” as it has given them five titles, including three in the last six years.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s approach to leadership is a reflection of his personality. He wants to be himself in the role and not try to fill in the giant shoes of Dhoni. This mindset is crucial for his success as a leader. He understands that every leader has a unique style and trying to imitate someone else’s style might not work for him.
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