Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in on MS Dhoni’s decision to pass the captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad. The former CSK skipper will be back in action today as the Delhi Capitals take on the reigning champions in an epic DC vs CSK IPL 2024 clash at the ACA-VDCA stadium in Vishakhapatnam.
Despite featuring in CSK’s opening two matches against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans, Dhoni has yet to bat. However, the 42-year-old has remained an influential presence behind the stumps, showcasing his prowess with the wicket-keeping gloves. According to Shastri, Dhoni’s participation throughout the 2024 season hinges on his fitness levels and how well his body holds up.
This is MS Dhoni’s last season okay, very clear. You know, it depends on how his body copes with everything, whether he plays the whole season or doesn’t play the whole season, only time will tell.” Shastri said via Star Sports.
Why did MS Dhoni hand over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad?
He also mentioned Dhoni’s approach towards Gaikwad’s captaincy, emphasizing that Dhoni would grant the young captain the freedom to lead in his own style, intervening only when necessary. Shastri noted that this approach would differ from Dhoni’s demeanour during Ravindra Jadeja’s tenure as captain, as Dhoni is expected to take a more passive role, offering guidance when needed while observing from the sidelines.
“But what he has done is that he said, I [Dhoni] don’t want to give the job to Ruturaj halfway through the tournament. Be in the hot seat from the outside, I am watching from the back, if he needs some help I’m there to help him out. But I [Shastri] think as compared to the year when Jadeja was captain, MS will take more and more of the backseat and probably contribute just in a little way between the drinks break or something like that.” Shastri added.
“He’ll give him the freedom, I see him giving him the freedom to go and express himself and if he needs to be corrected then you know.” Ravi Shastri concluded.
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