IPL 2024: Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK’s Rising Star, Faces the Challenge of Captaincy (profile)
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as their new captain, succeeding M.S. Dhoni, a decision that comes with high expectations as he steps into the shoes of a legend. Gaikwad will be tasked with leading a team that has been synonymous with the Dhoni legacy, a challenge that will be closely monitored by fans and critics alike.
CSK signed Gaikwad during the IPL 2019 auction, and he has since proven himself with the bat, earning the opportunity to lead the squad. In the 2020 season, he showcased his skills as an anchoring opener who can also attack when needed, impressing with his performance.
During the 2021 season, Gaikwad made a significant impact by scoring 635 runs for CSK and claiming the Orange Cap for the most runs in the tournament. He also set a record by surpassing Murali Vijay’s previous record for the most runs scored in a season as a CSK opener, solidifying his position as a key player for the team.
Hailing from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s Varroc Dilip Vengsarkar Academy in Pune, Gaikwad made his mark in domestic cricket before being appointed as the captain of the Puneri Bappa franchise in the Maharashtra Premier League. With 52 IPL matches under his belt, he has amassed 1797 runs with an impressive average of 39.07.
Despite his achievements, Gaikwad faces a daunting task in filling the shoes of Dhoni. CSK’s previous attempt to name Ravindra Jadeja as Dhoni’s successor failed, underscoring the challenges that come with stepping into such a role. Only time will reveal whether Gaikwad can succeed where others have fallen short.
