Chennai Super Kings made headlines with their recent announcement that their regular captain MS Dhoni has given up the captaincy and young Ruturaj Gaikwad has taken up the role. Although they did try with Ravindra Jadeja two years ago, the plan backfired and Dhoni had to take up the responsibility again. But Stephen Fleming believes the franchise is better prepared this time as well.

“The big thing about a couple of years ago was that we probably weren’t ready for MS [Dhoni] to move aside and what that did was probably shake us as a leadership group or coaches into looking at the possibility of when he does go and up until that stage that was almost unthinkable,” Fleming said. “It sowed the seeds for us to work pretty hard on making sure that any mistakes that were [made] during that time aren’t made again. And that the leadership isn’t a secret, we’ve been working really hard on making sure that plans are in place and all the players are self-sufficient. We’re more prepared now because that jolted us into looking at life after [Dhoni] and in some ways we’ve been a bit slow in doing that as a management group so we’re well prepared this time.”

However, the big announcement came via IPL’s official X channel in a rather low-key manner. However, Fleming also revealed that the moment was MS Dhoni’s call after a lot of consideration and it was ‘typically low-key’ before it turned into a celebration for Gaikwad soon after.

ALSO READ: Kirti Azad welcomes BCCI’s new directive in central contract

“It was MS [the call to give up captaincy] with a lot of consideration and one view to the future on the back of a good season last year. The timing was good. Behind the scenes, Ruturaj and others have been on a captaincy grooming process, looking forward to days like this if an opportunity comes up. MS is the best judge and he felt the time was right,” Fleming said.

However, the transition has been on CSK’s mind since a long time. But the call has been taken now to head in a different direction. Fleming, however, shared that Gaikwad has Jadeja’s backing.

“He [Jadeja] is right beside Rutu, there’s no doubt about it,” Fleming again said. “If you saw last year, the contribution Jadeja had… the last two balls will go down in CSK folklore. He was instrumental in us winning the cup and he’s been a strong player for us year after year, whether he’s got the stripes on his sleeve or not. He’s still a natural leader. He’s not outspoken, he’s not verbally loud or assertive but his actions in the way he plays will be a strong component of our leadership and he’ll be someone Ruturaj will use, without a doubt.”

However, Ruturaj Gaikwad has led through age-group cricket in Maharashtra and has led in 16 T20s at the senior level – including three of them for India at last year’s Asian Games, where they won Gold as well. Yet, taking MS Dhoni’s place will not be easy.

“It’s about getting that balance right without interfering but also providing that leadership that you can’t ignore. It’s been too long, he [Dhoni] is too big a person and you don’t just turn that off,” Fleming said. “It’s about finding the balance in being able to use the Jadejas and the Dhonis and help Ruturaj to develop is important. In the middle, it will take a little bit of trial and error to a degree. Ruturaj is very self assured. He’s again not the most demonstrative captain or person around but he’s got a very good approach with his fellow players and he’s very well respected. So I think my understanding from the senior players is the desire to help so how we channel that will be the challenge. But I am thinking it is positive more than negative for sure.”

READ ALSO: Michael Vaughan praises Team India after series win over England

While the big call was taken to keep an eye on the future, it raised doubts over the present for MS Dhoni the player. However, Dhoni went into the 2023 season with a knee injury but later on, he underwent surgery and finished rehab before the pre-season as well.

“I am expecting MS to play and play well. The indications from the pre-season are that he’s going really well. The body is a lot better, stronger than last year with his knee and from what I can see, his desire to contribute and do well are as high as ever which is great for us. I have been absolutely amazed with the way that he has prepared and played the pre-season and I am really hopeful he’s going to have a big contribution for us in that role down the order,” he stated.

“One of the things that we really admire about him is his durability – last year he functioned on one leg. Had that cleaned up and the desire to rehab and come back is really strong. It is contagious and motivational for the players when they see the work he does and the skills he still has. He’s a sharp mind, he’s going beautifully in the nets and is as determined as ever to make a contribution for the franchise,” Stephen Fleming concluded.