'Jadeja went into...': CSK coach Stephen Fleming after Ruturaj Gaikwad replaces MS Dhoni as captain

CHENNAI: Two years ago, when MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy reins to Ravindra Jadeja, things didn’t go too well for CSK. But coach Stephen Fleming feels this time, things will be handled better as Ruturaj Gaikwad takes charge of the hugely successful IPL franchise.

“To be honest, the leadership group was not ready for Dhoni to step aside last time around. This year, we will be working very hard to have a leadership plan in place,” Fleming said ahead of CSK’s practice session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday evening.

Also See: CSK vs RCB Live Score

The coach said Ruturaj was being groomed for the job, but it was Dhoni’s call at the end of the day.

“MS took the call after much consideration. After last year, when we won the title, he felt that this was the best time (to hand the baton over),” Fleming said.

1/9:​Players to play for most teams in IPL

Agencies

2/9:Dinesh Karthik - 6

<p>Dinesh Karthik has had stints with six IPL teams: Delhi Daredevils (DD), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Lions (GL), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).<br /></p>Agencies

3/9:Varun Aaron -6

<p>Varun Aaron's IPL journey has taken him through six teams:<br />Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Gujarat Titans (GT)<br /></p>Agencies

4/9:Murugan Ashwin - 6

<p>Murugan Ashwin has played for six IPL teams:</p><br />Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS), Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)Agencies

5/9:Ishant Sharma -6

<p>Ishant Sharma's IPL journey with six different teams:</p><br />Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Deccan Chargers, Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS)Agencies

6/9:Yuvraj Singh - 6

<p>Yuvraj Singh's IPL journey has taken him through six teams:<br />Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Pune Warriors India (PWI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mumbai Indians (MI)<br /></p>Agencies

7/9:Manish Pandey - 7

<p>Manish Pandey's IPL journey spans across seven teams: Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Pune Warriors India (PWI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Delhi Capitals (DC).<br /></p>Agencies

8/9:Jaydev Unadkat - 8

<p>Jaydev Unadkat has represented eight different IPL teams over his career: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Delhi Daredevils (DD), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Mumbai Indians (MI), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).<br /></p>Agencies

9/9:Aaron Finch - 9

<p>Aaron Finch has played for nine different IPL teams throughout his career: Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Daredevils (DD), Pune Warriors India (PWI), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Lions (GL), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).<br /></p>Agencies

​Players to play for most teams in IPL

After Dhoni announced his decision in the dressing room, “there was a bit of a celebration around the new captain,” Fleming added.

But the Jadeja captaincy experience had left a bit of a bad taste in the mouth when the allrounder was removed from the job after a string of losses in 2022.

But Fleming insisted that it wouldn’t have any effect whatsoever as a young Ruturaj gets his promotion.

“Jadeja went into CSK folklore with those two shots that he played in the last two balls of the last IPL. Jadeja is a tough character and there is a strong component of leadership in him and Ruturaj will definitely use his help,” Fleming said.

When asked about the reasons behind tilting the balance in Ruturaj’s favour, the coach added: “Ruturaj is very self assured, he has a great approach for fellow payers and is well-respected in the group.”

1/10:IPL 2024: A full list of venues

Agencies

2/10:HPCA Stadium (PBKS)

<p>Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan mountains, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala offers Punjab Kings a picturesque setting to play cricket, captivating fans with its breathtaking views and cool climate.</p>Agencies

3/10:Ekana Cricket Stadium (LSG)

<p>The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, named in honor of India's former Prime Minister, serves as a symbol of cricketing excellence for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.</p>Agencies

4/10:Sawai Mansingh Stadium (RR)

<p>Sawai Mansingh Stadium, nestled amid the royal city of Jaipur, provides Rajasthan Royals with a majestic home ground, where cricketing magic and royal heritage blend seamlessly.</p>Agencies

5/10:M Chinnaswamy Stadium (RCB)

<p>M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with its high-scoring matches and passionate fans, remains the nerve center for Royal Challengers Bangaluru's IPL campaign, echoing with chants of 'Ee Sala Cup Namde'.</p>Agencies

6/10:I.S. Bindra Stadium (PBKS)

<p>The Punjab Cricket Association I.S. Bindra Stadium, located in Mohali, serves as the battleground for Punjab Kings, where thrilling encounters unfold amidst a lively atmosphere.</p>Agencies

7/10:Narendra Modi Stadium (GT)

<p>The grandeur of the Narendra Modi Stadium, formerly known as Motera Stadium, provides Gujarat Titans with a majestic platform to showcase their talent and aspirations in the IPL.</p>Agencies

8/10:Eden Garden (KKR)

<p>Eden Gardens, steeped in history and tradition, stands as the iconic home ground for Kolkata Knight Riders, witnessing the passionate support of Kolkata's cricket-crazy fans.</p>Agencies

9/10:M.A. Chidambaram Chepauk Stadium (CSK)

<p>Fondly known as the 'Den' for Chennai Super Kings, the Chepauk Stadium boasts a rich cricketing heritage and hosts exhilarating matches, echoing with the chants of CSK loyalists.</p>Agencies

10/10:Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (SRH)

<p>Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, set amidst picturesque surroundings, offers Sunrisers Hyderabad a majestic stage to display their cricketing prowess and entertain fans.</p>Agencies

IPL 2024: A full list of venues

While the burden of captaincy has never really bothered Dhoni, the 42-year-old’s decision to hand over the leadership duties may just allow him to play with more freedom than it has been over the last few years.

Fleming feels that what stands out for Dhoni is his “desire”.

“His body is stronger than it was last season and the most amazing thing about him is his durability and desire. His ability to come back time and time again is almost contagious. Add to that the skills that he still has and he has been hitting the ball beautifully at the nets,” Fleming said.