In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Ruturaj Gaikwad is leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) following MS Dhoni’s decision to step down before the season commenced. After spending three seasons playing under Dhoni’s captaincy, Gaikwad has now taken on the significant challenge of helming one of the IPL’s most successful franchises, which under Dhoni’s leadership clinched five titles.
With CSK being the reigning champions and given Dhoni’s impactful legacy, Gaikwad is undoubtedly under considerable pressure to live up to the high standards set by his predecessor.
Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, commented on Cricbuzz that Gaikwad hasn’t seemed entirely in command, partly due to Dhoni’s still prominent influence within the team. “Taking over from a figure as revered as Dhoni is akin to stepping into a role where Sir Alex Ferguson is still present in the dressing room. It’s challenging to lead with MS there, but it was Dhoni who chose to step aside,” Vaughan observed.
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Gaikwad’s leadership commenced with victories against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans but was followed by two consecutive losses before a comeback win against Kolkata Knight Riders recently.
Following a pivotal half-century in the match against KKR, Vaughan suggested that Gaikwad’s best strategy for navigating the pressures of captaincy is to focus on scoring runs. “Ruturaj doesn’t appear fully in control yet. My advice is to concentrate on amassing as many runs as possible. That’s the key to bolstering the team’s position and instilling confidence through victories,” said Vaughan.
CSK currently holds the fourth spot in the IPL 2024 points table, with their next match scheduled against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium this coming Sunday.
