IPL 2024 – Stephen Fleming on CSK captaincy change as MS Dhoni steps down
It was MS Dhoni’s name handy over the Chennai Tremendous Kings captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, forward of IPL 2024, their head coach Stephen Fleming has revealed on the eve of the match opener in Chennai.
“It was MS [Dhoni’s decision] with loads of consideration and one view to the longer term on the again of an excellent season final yr,” Fleming mentioned at his press convention on Thursday. “The timing was good. Behind the scenes, Ruturaj and others have been on a, say, a captaincy-grooming course of, wanting ahead to days like this and the alternatives come up, however MS is one of the best decide and he felt the time was proper.”
For the second time within the final three seasons, CSK have sprung a shock by naming a brand new captain on the eve of a season opener. In 2022, Ravindra Jadeja had taken over as captain from Dhoni, however the transition wasn’t significantly easy with Jadeja stepping down halfway via the season after CSK had misplaced six of their first eight video games throughout that season.Dhoni took again the management after which led CSK to a fifth title in IPL 2023 to attract degree with Mumbai Indians.
Fleming mentioned that the captaincy change in 2022 was little bit of a wake-up name and that the franchise is now better-prepared to work beneath a brand new captain and construct for the longer term.
“Properly, the large factor about a few years in the past was that we in all probability weren’t prepared for MS to maneuver apart,” Fleming mentioned. “And what that did was in all probability shake us as a management group or coaches into wanting on the chance when he does go. And up till that stage, it was nearly unthinkable, however it sowed the seed. So, we have labored fairly onerous on ensuring that any errors that have been made throughout then aren’t made once more. And that the management is not a secret.”
Fleming additionally steered there could possibly be some on-field mentorship from Dhoni – and different senior gamers – to assist Gaikwad ease into the brand new position. Gaikwad turns into solely the third participant aside from Dhoni to steer CSK within the IPL. The 27-year-old has led Maharashtra in 13 T20s and India in three T20Is through the Asian video games in Hangzhou, the place they gained the gold medal.
“Yeah, I hope so. It is getting that steadiness proper with out interfering, but in addition offering that management that you may’t ignore,” Fleming mentioned. “It has been too lengthy and he is too huge a presence that you do not simply flip that off, you utilize it. And discovering that steadiness and with the ability to use the Jadejas and Dhonis and assist Ruturaj as he develops is essential. Within the center, we’ll take just a little little bit of trial and error to a level.
“Ruturaj may be very confident. Once more, he isn’t essentially the most demonstrative captain or individual round, however he is acquired an excellent strategy along with his fellow gamers and he is very well-respected. So I feel my understanding from the senior gamers is the need to assist.”
Gaikwad is wanting ahead to leaning on the expertise of Dhoni and Co. “[It] feels good. It is a privilege, however greater than that, it’s a enormous accountability,” Gaikwad advised CSK’s social-media channels. “I’m actually excited due to the type of group we’ve. Everyone seems to be skilled sufficient. So there’s not a lot of a factor for me to do. I’ve Mahi [Dhoni] bhai within the workforce, Jaddu [Jadeja] bhai, and Ajju [Rahane] bhai, who’ve been nice captains to information me.”
Fleming revealed that Ruturaj Gaikwad has began to get groomed as CSK’s captain behind the scenes•BCCI
Gaikwad is one in all CSK’s largest success tales within the IPL. Within the 2019 public sale, CSK snapped him up for his base value of INR 20 lakh and although he had a tough begin within the center order in IPL 2020 within the UAE, having simply recovered from Covid-19 on the time, he has pressed onto turn out to be a flexible opener. CSK’s workforce administration is especially happy with the evolution of Gaikwad.
“So, we have been working very onerous on ensuring that the plans are in place, [so] that every one gamers are extra self-sufficient,” Fleming mentioned. “And we’re. It isn’t [the case that] MS solely has an exquisite sense of the sport, however one of many issues we’re happy with is the event of younger gamers.
“Final yr [Tushar] Deshpande got here via after which personal that house and has achieved effectively in home cricket. So, it proves that giving possession and belief to gamers actually works. It isn’t simply the captain’s job to tug the strings.
“So, we’re that. And as I say, we’re extra ready now as a result of they jolted us into life after [Dhoni]. And in some methods, we have been a bit sluggish in doing that as a administration group.”
Deivarayan Muthu is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo
