• Source:JND
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IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings have a new skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad heading into the IPL 2024 as they gear up for the opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22.

CSK came up with a massive announcement ahead of the season as MS Dhoni decided to step down as the skipper, handing over the baton to young Ruturaj.

ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma Shares Heartfelt Reaction After MS Dhoni Steps Down As CSK Captain

Talking about the massive captaincy change in the side, Ruuraj revealed that Dhoni had told him the leadership shouldn't come as a surprise to him.

He said that the veteran had started involving him in some of the practice match simulations.

ALSO READ: With Five IPL Titles And Enigmatic Smile, MS Dhoni Draws Curtain On CSK Captaincy

"I don't think so I need to change anything. Last year itself, Mahi bhai had just hinted about captaincy at some point in time. Just hinted that 'be ready, it shouldn't come as a surprise to you. So when we came into the camp, obviously he made involved in some of the practice match simulation," said Ruturaj.

A few weeks ahead of the 17th edition of the IPL, Dhoni came up with a cryptic Facebook post, claiming to be excited about his new role on the side.

The buzz was created at a massive level after that and Ruturaj said he had to face questions from people if he was the new captain.

The young opener said he felt that Dhoni's Facebook was just for social media but there were other thoughts in the back of his mind.

"I remember him posting about the new role on social media. Everybody was just pointing towards me and asking me, 'whether you are the next captain'. I was like maybe it meant something else for social media or something."

"Back of the mind it was there, but then he came in a week ago and said he had decided this and this. But definitely, now that I am here, I am definitely looking forward to it," said Ruturaj.

Ruturaj will be up with his former opening partner and current RCB skipper Faf du Plessis at the toss at Chepauk.

The newly-appointed skipper is looking forward to a much-awaited clash on Friday.

“Who would have thought that a few years down the line, you leading RCB and we would be sharing the stage at the toss? A lot to forward to and it’s an exciting first-day game to look forward to," he said.

Dhoni was appointed as the skipper of the CSK in the inaugural season in 2008 and captained the side in 14 seasons, leading them to five IPL titles.

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