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File photo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ruturaj Gaikwad© BCCI/Sportzpics
Chennai Super Kings begin the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with another captaincy experiment as MS Dhoni makes way for Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead the team. Two years ago, the Super Kings had made a similar change which saw Ravindra Jadeja replace Dhoni at the helm. However, that decision had to be reversed midway through the IPL 2022 campaign as Jadeja failed to impress as captain. CSK coach Stephen Fleming now expects Jadeja to play a supporting role for new captain Gaikwad in the team.
Fleming revealed that the decision was taken by Dhoni after much deliberation. The keeper batsman then announced the news during the table to his teammates before informing the same to the management.
The CSK coach does not believe that Ruturaj’s promotion will have any effect on Jadeja, who remains a “tough character”.
“Jadeja entered CSK folklore with those two shots he played in the last two balls of the last IPL. Jadeja is a tough character and there is a strong leadership component in him and Ruturaj will definitely use his help,” Fleming said.
When asked about the reasons for Ruturaj’s appointment, the coach added: “Ruturaj is very confident, has a great attitude towards his teammates and is well respected in the group.”
Dhoni had to deal with injury problems at the end of last year and there were also some doubts over his fitness in the build-up to the new season. But it is Thala’s desire that overcomes his limitations.
“His body is stronger than it was last season and the most amazing thing about him is his durability and desire. His ability to come back again and again is almost contagious. Add to that the skills he still has and has been hitting.” the ball beautifully into the nets,” Fleming said.
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