'MS Dhoni Still the Fielding Captain': Viral Clip of Thala Setting Field Triggers CSK Captaincy Debate

Ruturaj Gaikwad officially took over the Chennai Super Kings’ rein from MS Dhoni when the team took the field for their first match of IPL 2024 as they faced Royal Challengers Bangalore. Gaikwad’s era began with CSK brushing aside the RCB challenge for a six-wicket win and start their title defense with an impressive win on Friday night.

During the course of the CSK win, Gaikwad gave a glimpse of his captaincy skills with effective bowling changes that dented a rapid RCB start at the Chepauk.

Faf du Plessis was dealing in boundaries after RCB opted to bat first as they raced to 37/0 in four overs. Gaikwad turned to CSK’s new acquisition left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the fifth over and it turned out to be a game-changing one.

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Rahman first got rid of Du Plessis on 35 before having Rajat Patidar caught behind for a duck in the same over. By the end of the 12th over, RCB had lost half their side.

During RCB innings, Dhoni was shown setting the field leading to former cricketers and fans wondering who actually is the CSK captain despite the official passing of the baton.

Former India and CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath thinks that indeed Dhoni is still the fielding captain.

“I think MS Dhoni is still the fielding captain,” Badrinath tweeted.

On the other hand, India batting legend Virender Sehwag quipped that the broadcasters should also put some focus on captain Gaikwad rather.

“Bhai Ruturaj ka bhi chahraa dekha do ek do baar(in camera) vo bhi captain hai sirf Dhoni ka hi Chahraa dekha raha hai (Guys, please show Ruturaj’s face too, he’s the captain. Don’t just show Dhoni alone),” Sehwag said.

During the toss, Gaikwad had revealed that he got to know about the change in guard last week but he’s not trying to ‘fill anybody’s shoes’.

“Feel privileged. But I want to try and be in my shoes, not fill anybody’s shoes. I got to know last week, but Mahi bhai hinted at it last year,” Gaikwad said.