CSK Coach Compares MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad: “Last Captain Was Cool But This Guy…

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who took over as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain at the start of this IPL season, has had a mixed start to his leadership tenure. He has lost two away games and won three at home. However, the 27-year-old has faced criticism for his “slow” batting.

Coach Stephen Fleming addressed concerns about Gaikwad’s leadership and batting, stating that the young captain remains composed and impressively handles the pressure. Fleming emphasized that Gaikwad has been unfairly labeled as “slow” and that the team supports him. He also expressed confidence in Gaikwad’s leadership abilities and clarified that appointing him as skipper is a long-term decision, not a temporary one.

Fleming acknowledged the immense support and love that former captain MS Dhoni continues to receive from fans, which benefits the team. He expressed pride in Dhoni’s association with the team and highlighted the honor of receiving support from fans who hold Dhoni in high regard. Fleming also discussed the evolution of the IPL, noting the growth in fan following and the skills of the players.

He emphasized the need for the league to continually evolve and find ways to balance the competition, particularly between bowlers and batsmen. Additionally, Fleming touched on the team’s recent performances and the challenges of playing at the Wankhede Stadium, highlighting the tough conditions for spinners. He credited the team’s success to effective planning and the right combination for the matches.

Overall, Fleming expressed enthusiasm for the IPL and the contagious nature of the tournament, emphasizing the positive impact it has on cricket and the support it receives from fans.