Chennai Super Kings (CSK) newly appointed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad downplayed the pressure of leading a legacy side at the toss against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 opener on Friday.
In the previous season, Dhoni had handed over the captaincy to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja but he stepped down from his role halfway in the tournament. However, Gaikwad looked confident, as he took in the new role and walked into the middle during the toss.
“Feel privileged. But I want to try and be in my shoes, not fill anybody’s shoes,” Gaikwad said.
Everything the light touches! 🦁🌟#CSKvRCB #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 @msdhoni @Ruutu1331 pic.twitter.com/pic2FRQFzr
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2024
He also revealed that the CSK management had made him aware of his new role last week but MS Dhoni had hinted at it last week. “I got to know last week, but Mahi bhai hinted at it last year.”
Speaking about the CSK side this season, Gaikwad said, “Everyone is experienced here, sadly we are missing Conway and Pathirana. We’ve got Rachin and Mitchell coming in though this year so they should fit in well. Looks like a good pitch, a hard surface that should hold up well for the second innings.”
Gaikwad has featured in 52 IPL matches. He has accumulated 1797 runs, averaging 39.07, with one century and 14 half-centuries to his name. He has the highest score of an unbeaten 101 in the lucrative tournament.