Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming said on the eve of the IPL 2024 opener that he expects MS Dhoni to play the entire season, adding that the former captain’s fitness is better than what it was in the previous season. Fleming’s comments came minutes after Dhoni relinquished captaincy of the Super Kings and handed over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Ruturaj Gaikwad attended the photoshoot of the 10 captains in Chennai, leaving fans perplexed as MS Dhoni was missing from the photo shared by the Indian Premier League on Thursday. Soon after the photoshoot photos went viral, the IPL confirmed the captaincy change, announcing Ruturaj Gaikwad as the captain of the 5-time champions.
Chennai Super Kings confirmed in a statement on Thursday that MS Dhoni decided to hand over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad, kickstarting a transition period in the celebrated franchise.
Speaking to the press in Chennai on Thursday, Stephefn Fleming backed Dhoni to chip in with the bat throughout the season.
“Expecting MS(Dhoni) to play the whole season. His body is much better from last season,” Fleming said.
MS Dhoni doused speculation about his retirement last year and confirmed after winning the IPL 2023 trophy that he would return to action in 2024. Dhoni underwent knee surgery after the IPL last year and worked hard on his recovery.
