MS Dhoni Reveals Advice to Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK Captain

MS Dhoni opened up on his leadership approach at Chennai Super Kings and explained how he gave Ruturaj Gaikwad complete freedom while leading the franchise.

As Chennai Super Kings continue their transition into a new leadership era, former skipper MS Dhoni has shed light on the conversations he had with current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad before handing over responsibility.

The legendary wicketkeeper-batter made it clear that Gaikwad was never expected to blindly follow his suggestions and should instead captain the side according to his own instincts.

Dhoni Wanted Ruturaj to Lead in His Own Style

Dhoni explained that his primary message to Gaikwad was to trust his own judgement while leading Chennai Super Kings. According to the former CSK captain, cricket is a game where the on-field captain must take ownership of decisions instead of depending entirely on outside voices.

“What I told Rutu was to run CSK the way he wanted to run it.”

He further explained that although coaches and senior players remain involved, the final responsibility always belongs to the captain on the field.

“That’s how I have run CSK for a very long time. And I always felt it’s a game where the captain has to make the decisions. Yes, there are coaches and support stuff, but it’s not like football where the manager decides. In cricket, it’s about the captain and he has to decide.”

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Dhoni also acknowledged that Gaikwad may naturally adopt a few ideas from previous CSK leadership methods, but insisted that every captain should still have their own identity.

“Yes, there will be certain things that he will pick from the from the way I used to lead. But individuals are different…Whatever you feel is your style, you have the full liberty over here to decide.”

Dhoni Clarifies His Role in CSK’s Decision-Making

Over the last few seasons, many fans have believed that Dhoni still influences most of Chennai Super Kings’ tactical calls from behind the stumps.

However, the veteran cricketer dismissed that perception and clarified that Gaikwad remains the main decision-maker for the franchise.

Dhoni revealed that he never wanted the younger captain to feel pressured into accepting every suggestion coming from a senior player.

“I’m very open, I’ll come and talk to you, but you don’t have to do even one thing that I speak to you about.”

“Let’s say I come up with ten pieces of advice, if you don’t follow even one, that is fair enough.”

The former India captain stressed that leadership becomes meaningful only when the captain feels fully responsible for his own calls during matches.

“When you are the leader, you have and how you want to use it.”

Ruturaj Gaikwad Continues CSK’s Leadership Transition

Gaikwad took over the Chennai Super Kings captaincy as the franchise began preparing for the future after Dhoni’s long and iconic tenure. Despite the pressure that naturally comes with succeeding one of cricket’s greatest captains, the CSK management has continued to back the Maharashtra batter.

Earlier, Gaikwad had also spoken about the support he received from Dhoni during the transition phase.

“He definitely said one thing – ‘Whatever you do, it’s your own decision, it’s your own responsibility to take care. I am not going to interfere in anything. Just the field angles, if I think that somewhere it’s like 50-50, I will definitely help in that. Whatever it is, batting order and everything you will have to take care.’”

Gaikwad further revealed how Dhoni encouraged independent thinking during games.

“Make sure that it’s not compulsion that if I tell you something you have to follow that. You can still take up your own decision.”

CSK are currently in a do or die situation with them risking an elimination. While the team looks up for a Playoff hope, MS Dhoni is yet to join the team as of IPL 2026.

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