I definitely think CSK captaincy was not a surprise for Ruturaj Gaikwad: Ravichandran Ashwin

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) dropped a bombshell on Thursday, March 21, as they announced Ruturaj Gaikwad as their new captain, replacing the iconic MS Dhoni. Ravichandran Ashwin reckoned that Ruturaj would have known about his new role in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 a long time ago.

Ashwin might be set to play for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 but CSK still holds a special place in his heart. He played for the Men in Yellow from 2008 to 2015 and contributed immensely to their success. Apart from his time at the Super Kings, Ashwin shared the dressing room with Dhoni at Rising Pune Supergiant and of course, in the Indian team. From his experience of seeing the legendary wicketkeeper-batter operating from close quarters for so many years, the Tamil Nadu off-spinner is confident that he would have informed Gaikwad about his new role one year in advance.

"This was an inevitable decision. It had to come at some stage. I know MS Dhoni. He keeps the team at the forefront. He keeps thinking about the well-being of the team. Because of that, 2 years ago, he gave the captain's armband to Jadeja. Now he has given it to Ruturaj. This decision had to happen. Who and how remained the question," Ashwin stated in his YouTube show, shortly after CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said that he learned about MS Dhoni stepping down only before the captains' photoshoot in Chennai on Thursday.

"I am answering your question. Ruturaj wouldn't have thought his role was only a batter until yesterday. I know MS Dhoni very well. Sitting in his room, enjoying dinner with the youngsters, he must have told Ruturaj last year, I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. I definitely think it was not a surprise for Ruturaj. 'Brother, you are going to take charge. You can do all these things. I will be there, don't worry' is something that Dhoni night have told Ruturaj well in advance," he noted.

Ashwin also heaped praise on the new CSK captain, calling him "cool and calm", traits that are synonymous with the person he has stepped in for.

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"I know Ruturaj, he is extremely cool and calm. He is a very good human being. I am extremely elated for him," Ashwin backed the young opener to find success.

I think it's the responsibility of the fans to make Ruturaj enjoy captaincy: Ravichandran Ashwin

The 37-year-old Ashwin said that the fans should give Ruturaj time to find his feet as he dons a new hat in his IPL career.

"I think it's wrong to even wonder whether it's a wrong decision from CSK. For Ruturaj, and the people around him, including his family, it's a huge moment," Ashwin said.

"It's unbelievable. He is going to lead a team with such a rich legacy. It's a huge burden, I agree. But I think it's the responsibility of the fans to make Ruturaj enjoy the responsibility. A person is not there is one thing, but nobody is permanent anywhere. Cricket teaches you that. Yes, MS is one of the greatest leaders. But instead of thinking Ruturaj should bring in results immediately, give him some time," he added.

Interestingly, Ruturaj already has the experience of leading the Indian team. He captained a second-string Indian side during the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China last year and helped them win the gold medal. The right-handed batter has also led Maharashtra in domestic cricket.

"MS Dhoni's success should not be a burden for Ruturaj Gaikwad. For the first-ever time in the IPL, we will not be having MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma captaining in the IPL. Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to be given space and must be allowed to enjoy the role. That responsibility is that of the fans and the management. Yes, he might lose one or two matches. But, I always believe that the greatest lessons are learned during losses," Ashwin added.

Also Read: 'Feels good, it's a privilege' - Ruturaj Gaikwad reacts after Chennai Super Kings appoint him as new skipper

The 27-year-old has been a prolific run-getter for CSK since he played his first IPL match in the 2020 edition of the tournament. In 52 matches, Ruturaj has amassed 1,797 runs at an average of 39.07 and has a strike rate of 135.52. Last year, he scored 590 runs at an average of 42.14 and a strike rate of 147.50 and helped the Super Kings win a record-equaling fifth title. However, his best season with the bat came in 2021, when he won the Orange Cap after accumulating 635 runs.

Also Read: Irfan Pathan reflects on MS Dhoni's incredible journey as CSK skipper