Chennai Super Kings’ newly appointed skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad revealed how MS Dhoni informed him about taking the captaincy baton. Dhoni told Gaikwad to be ready for the captaincy onus and said the responsibility shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Gaikwad revealed that Dhoni hinted last year he would be relinquishing the captaincy. The CSK opener also revealed how Dhoni is helping him understand the nitty-gritty of leadership.

Speaking in a video uploaded by IPL on Instagram, “Last year itself, Mahi bhai (Dhoni) had hinted about captaincy at some point of time. ‘Just be ready, it shouldn’t come to you as a surprise.’ When we came into the camp, he made me involved in some of the practice match simulations.”

Gaikwad was introduced as CSK captain for a group photo of all 10 skippers in the tournament. The Maharashtra batter also shared his conversation with former CSK player, Faf du Plessis, who is all set to lead RCB.

“I just met Faf in the meeting and I said, ‘Who would have thought few years down the line, you playing for RCB and you leading RCB. You and me sharing stage at the toss.’ A lot to look forward to. I think it is one of the most exciting first-day game to look forward to,” he said.

Earlier in March, Dhoni posted on Facebook that he will be seen in a new role for CSK.

“I remember him posting ‘new role’ on social media. Everybody was pointing towards me and asking, ‘Are you the next captain?’ I was like, ‘Maybe its a post for social media or something.’ Back of the mind, it was there and a week (ago), he came and said, ‘I have decided this and this (to hand over captaincy).’ And now that I am here, I am really looking forward to it.”

Chennai Super Kings will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on March 22.