In an exclusive interview with Times of India, Ruturaj Gaikwad shared insights on his debut as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024, revealing valuable leadership lessons imparted by his predecessor, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Leadership Transition
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been one of CSK’s most consistent batters, stepped into the captaincy role ahead of the IPL 2024 season. Despite the significant expectations, Gaikwad embraced the responsibility with confidence, guided by the 42-year-old Dhoni, who continued to support him from behind the stumps. This seamless transition was a testament to the strategic foresight of the CSK management, ensuring the legacy of Dhoni’s leadership would endure.
Performance Under Pressure
Though CSK narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing fifth with seven wins, seven losses, and 14 points, Gaikwad’s leadership was lauded. His composure under pressure and ability to lead experienced players like Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ajinkya Rahane with poise, stood out. Gaikwad maintained a balanced approach between his batting and captaincy, emerging as CSK’s top run-scorer with 583 runs at an impressive average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 141.16, including one century and four half-centuries.
Learning from Dhoni
Gaikwad emphasized the importance of staying neutral, a key lesson from Dhoni. “Being neutral is something that I have learnt from Mahi bhai. Not getting too excited about anything or being down by anything is the right approach that I have picked up,” he said. This philosophy helped him remain composed in high-pressure situations, a trait crucial for effective leadership.
Interaction with Senior Players
Leading senior players could be daunting, but Gaikwad handled it with ease. He highlighted the approachability and support from his teammates. “I am very approachable for all teammates whenever needed and they always support the team in whatever way the team requires,” he noted. The synergy within the team and the valuable experience of the senior players significantly contributed to navigating challenging match situations.
Balancing Roles
Gaikwad also spoke about balancing his dual roles as a captain and a key batsman for CSK. “While batting irrespective of being captain or not, my approach is always the same. Doesn’t really change a lot,” he remarked. His ability to separate his responsibilities and focus on his game demonstrated his maturity and understanding of the demands of leadership.
“You cannot plan to become leaders so being good team players and putting the team first will always stand a good chance to be one,” he added, reflecting on the values that drive his leadership style.
Partnership with Amrutanjan
In addition to his cricketing responsibilities, Gaikwad announced his partnership with Amrutanjan Healthcare for Electro+ Rehydrate, highlighting the importance of hydration and energy maintenance for athletes and the general public alike.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s maiden captaincy season, marked by valuable lessons from MS Dhoni and his own calm and balanced approach, has set a promising foundation for the future. As he continues to grow as a leader, his journey will undoubtedly inspire many and reinforce the legacy of CSK’s strategic and composed leadership.
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