1. MS Dhoni’s sudden resignation as CSK captain ahead of IPL 17 surprised teammates and fans.
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s appointment as the new skipper signals the end of Dhoni’s era with CSK.
3. The unexpected decision left emotions high among the team and fans, marking a significant change.
Sports, March 22: MS Dhoni’s unexpected decision to step down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the 17th edition of the IPL came as a shock to his teammates and fans alike.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was announced as the new skipper, marking the end of an era for the team.
Coach Stephen Fleming disclosed that Dhoni‘s decision had evoked a range of emotions among the players, with tears flowing freely in the dressing room.
Despite the sadness, there was also a sense of pride and support for Gaikwad as he embarks on his captaincy journey.
CSK had previously experimented with leadership changes, notably in 2022 when Ravindra Jadeja briefly took over before Dhoni reclaimed the role.
However, this time, the team seems better prepared for the transition, having learned from past experiences.
Reflecting on the earlier transition, Fleming admitted that CSK was not ready for Dhoni’s departure then.
Also Read: PM Narendra Modi embarks on two-day Bhutan visit
However, it served as a wake-up call for the team to prepare for eventual changes in leadership, ensuring that mistakes from the past are not repeated.
Dhoni personally informed his teammates and the CSK support staff about his decision before officially communicating it to the management.
Despite the initial shock, the team is now focused on supporting Gaikwad and starting a new chapter in CSK’s journey in the IPL.
