Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) spin all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin who took 120 wickets for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) under the leadership of MS Dhoni claims that the decision to give up the captaincy was not last minute. Ashwin said that Dhoni must have told Ruturaj Gaikwad last year about his decision.
The veteran off-spinner feels that he saw it coming. Dhoni handed over the captaincy in IPL 2022 to Ravindra Jadeja but the move did not work out. In the next edition, he led CSK to the fifth title win.
"This decision was inevitable and it was coming at some stage. I have known MS Dhoni, and he keeps the team at the forefront and keeps thinking about the team's well-being," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
"Because of that, two years ago, he had given the captain's armband to Jadeja. He has handed it to Ruturaj now. The decision had to happen, while who and how was the question."
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Ashwin also said that Gaikwad would not have been as surprised as fans when Dhoni relinquished captaincy.
"Ruturaj wouldn't have thought that he would be playing only as a batter until yesterday. I believe Dhoni must have told Ruturaj last year - 'Brother, you are going to take charge. You can do it. I will be there, so you don't need to worry'," said the 37-year-old.
Ashwin backed Gaikwad to succeed as captain and drew parallels between with and Dhoni.
"I have known Ruturaj, an extremely cool and calm, and a very good human being. Extremely elated for him," he added.
Ashwin almost spot on with his claim
Ashwin's claim was not far from the truth as Gaikwad revealed that the 42-year-old had given him a hint last year.
"Last year itself, Mahi bhai had hinted about captaincy at some point in time. He just hinted that 'be ready, it shouldn't be a surprise to you'. When we came into the camp, he involved me in some of the match simulations," he told IPLT20.com.
Royals’ season opener
Ashwin will make his first appearance in IPL 2024 when RR go up against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24 in Jaipur.
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