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‘A Privilege…’ Ruturaj Gaikwad On Replacing MS Dhoni As CSK Skipper For IPL 2024

Ruturaj Gaikwad set to make his CSK captaincy debut in IPL 2024 (X.com)Ruturaj Gaikwad set to make his CSK captaincy debut in IPL 2024 (X.com)

Maharashtra batting stalwart Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed as the new CSK captain after longtime skipper MS Dhoni stepped down from the role a day prior to the launch of the IPL 2024 season.

The 27-year-old seems to be cut out for the task at hand, at least as per his own words after he interacted with CSK’s social media accounts at the Chepauk Stadium. When asked about his newfound captaincy role, Gaikwad described it as a ‘privilege’ and a ‘huge responsibility’, and added that he will be aided with the support of a number of senior players in the team.

Ruturaj Gaikwad aiming to ‘enjoy’ CSK leadership

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who first joined the CSK group back in IPL 2019, has been appointed as the new captain of the franchise.

When asked to express himself during one of CSK’s pre-IPL 2024 training sessions at the Chepauk Stadium, the cricketer said that he was looking forward to the challenge and claimed that he will be assisted by senior pros MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane.

“Feels Good! It's a privilege, obviously. 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 to guide me. So, nothing much to worry, just looking forward to enjoy it.”

Ruturaj Gaikwad joined the CSK group in 2019 but made his IPL debut the following season as a top-order batter. So far, the cricketer has featured in 52 matches for the franchise spanning four different seasons.

The right-handed batter bludgeoned 590 runs in CSK’s victorious IPL 2023 run, including an attacking 26 in the final against then-defending champions Gujarat Titans. For his consistent run last season, Ruturaj Gaikwad was retained by the CSK management in November 2023 during the IPL 2024 retention phase.