“This was an inevitable decision” – Ravichandran Ashwin on MS Dhoni relinquishing CSK captaincy ahead of IPL 2024

India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels MS Dhoni relinquishing Chennai Super Kings captaincy ahead of Indian Premier League was always on the cards. Dhoni, on the eve of the opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, decided to hand over the captaincy baton to opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Dhoni led CSK with great success and took the franchise to five titles, which is the joint most along with Rohit Sharma, in his stint. The veteran led CSK in 212 matches out of which the team won 128 matches, lost 82, and two games ended in a no result.

Dhoni led CSK to glory in the previous season as they defeated Gujarat Titans in the nail-biting contest. On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad has the experience of leading Maharashtra and also led India in the Asian Games.

“This was an inevitable decision. It had to come at some stage. I know MS Dhoni. He keeps the team at the forefront. He keeps thinking about the well-being of the team. Because of that, 2 years ago, he gave the captain’s armband to Jadeja. Now he has given it to Ruturaj. This decision had to happen. Who and how remained the question,” said Ashwin on his YouTube Channel.

As Ashwin has spent a lot of time with Dhoni, he feels the veteran must have told Ruturaj Gaikwad last year about taking the captaincy bridle.

“Ruturaj wouldn’t have thought his role was only a batter until yesterday. I know MS Dhoni very well. Sitting in his room, enjoying dinner with the youngsters, he must have told Ruturaj last year, I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case. I definitely think it was not a surprise for Ruturaj. Brother, you are going to take charge. You can do all these things. ‘I will be there, don’t worry’ is something that Dhoni night have told Ruturaj well in advance,” stated Ashwin.

Ashwin lauded Ruturaj Gaikwad as he said that the opener is calm and composed. The off-spinner feels it is a huge moment for the youngster.

“I know Ruturaj, he is extremely cool and calm. He is a very good human being. I am extremely elated for him. I think it’s wrong to even wonder whether it’s a wrong decision from CSK. For Ruturaj, and the people around him, including his family, it’s a huge moment,” said Ashwin.

CSK will begin their title defense against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Friday.