Ruturaj Gaikwad’s reaction after being announced Chennai Super Kings captain: ‘It’s a huge responsibility but…”

New Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad on Thursday shared his first reaction on replacing Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the franchise’s helm.

“Feels good. It’s a privilege obviously. I feel more than that, it’s a huge responsibility but I am really excited because of the kind of group we have. Everyone’s experienced enough so not much of a thing for me to do. Plus I have Mahi bhai in the team, Jaddu bhai as well. Ajju bhai as well, who has been a great captain so not much to worry, just looking forward to enjoy,” Gaikwad said in a video shared by CSK.

Earlier on Thursday, Dhoni stepped down as the captain of Chennai Super Kings with Gaikwad named the new skipper ahead of the new IPL season beginning on Friday. Dhoni, who led CSK to five IPL titles, will continue to be available as a player for the season and barring any last minute injury scares will keep wickets against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday.

"Feels Good! It's a privilege!" – Captain Rutu 🗣️🦁 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/HPyWuEajIg

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2024

Though the move to change captain on the eve of the season may come as a surprise, behind the scenes, the Super Kings have been grooming Gaikwad for the role. In 2022, days before the new season in Maharashtra, Dhoni had handed over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja. But the move backfired with Jadeja stepping down as captain mid-way through the season and Dhoni taking charge again.

And ahead of the 2023 IPL, CSK got on board Ben Stokes as captaincy option, but with the all-rounder struggling with fitness issues, they had turned their eyes on Gaikwad. Though the 27-year-old isn’t a regular member of the India set-up, the opener is admired all through the franchise set-up.

Having come into the CSK system in 2019, he made his debut in 2020, where he started with three Man of the match awards in three successive matches. Then in 2021, as Chennai won their fourth title, he was the Orange Cap holder. And since then he has established himself as a regular member of the side.

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