Former Australia batter and current CSK batting coach Michael Hussey believes that the presence and involvement of the experienced MS Dhoni has played a key role in the development of Ruturaj Gaikwad as the new captain of the side. Since taking over the captaincy of CSK from Dhoni ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Ruturaj has guided the five-time IPL winners to an on-and-off season in IPL 2024. Hussey opines Ruturaj’s ability to switch between captaincy and a batter this season, has polished up due to him having experienced minds like Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming by his side for constant advice.
CSK clinched an emphatic and crucial win over an in-form RR by 5 wickets on May 12, which has also handed them a huge boost in their race for the play-offs. CSK bagged the crucial victory on top of some bowling brilliance from Simarjeet Singh with his 3/26 spell followed by responsible batting from Ruturaj in his unbeaten 42 off 41 balls knock. The win pushed the defending champions to 3rd spot on the points table with their 14 points in 13 matches, and added to the praise of Ruturaj’s captaincy of CSK. Ruturaj not only made an impact with his decision-making with his bowling attack, but played a pivotal role with the bat in their 142-run chase.
Speaking at the post-match press-conference, Hussey shared his take on how Ruturaj has evolved into a much more matured figure in CSK due to Dhoni and Felming’s involvement.
“I think Ruturaj has been fantastic as captain. He has got a very calm demeanor on how he wants to go about it as well. Fortunately, he has great minds with him in the initial stages of his career. MS Dhoni is obviously still there, helping him behind the scenes. Fleming is also there. He has great minds to bounce ideas off. Ruturaj can only get better and better,” Hussey said.
