Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, MS Dhoni has resigned as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, surprising both fans and cricket experts.

Dhoni, renowned for leading the Super Kings to five IPL titles, has passed on the captaincy to top-order batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Following this development, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming stated that the team was caught off guard by Dhoni’s decision, despite previously appointing Ravindra Jadeja as skipper for IPL 2022.

It is worth noting that CSK began IPL 2022 with Jadeja as their skipper, but the decision did not yield the desired results, prompting Dhoni to resume leadership midway through the tournament.

Nevertheless, Fleming confirmed that they were informed of Dhoni’s decision this time around. Additionally, he mentioned that the franchise is diligently grooming future leaders.

“We weren’t ready to move away from MS (Dhoni) in 2022. Dhoni has a good sense of the game, but we want to develop the young players for the role. We are well prepared this time,” Fleming told the media ahead of CSK’s clash against RCB.

“(The) last time MS (had) left captaincy, (it) was shocking to us and we weren’t aware that MS would step down. But this time we knew,” he added.

“We have been working hard to prepare leaders. We have been slow on life after MS Dhoni. But trusting the youngsters has paid off well for us. I have already had a word with the youngsters like Rutu (Gaekwad) about leadership and captaincy. It is a great opportunity for him to lead the team,” he further stated.

Amid widespread speculation regarding MS Dhoni’s retirement following the IPL 2023, he affirmed his intention to return, contingent upon his fitness, following CSK’s victorious campaign.

Indeed, Dhoni underwent knee surgery subsequent to the successful season and recuperated sufficiently to participate in the 2024 edition.

Fleming expressed optimism about Dhoni’s performance in practice matches leading up to the IPL and expressed hope that he would not encounter any fitness-related obstacles during the tournament.

“MS has done well in the practice games and I hope that we will have his services for the rest of the season,” he said.

CSK is slated to commence their title defense in the IPL 2024 opener against RCB at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

(With PTI inputs)