The changing of the guard has officially taken place at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with Ruturaj Gaikwad replacing MS Dhoni as the franchise captain. The decision was announced just a day before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 was to begin. While there has been a change on paper, how much say does Ruturaj have when it comes to decision-making on the field, compared to Dhoni? CSK pacer Deepak Chahar admitted that there is confusion as he has sought instructions from both Dhoni and Ruturaj during the first two matches of the campaign.
The Super Kings started the 17th season of the T20 competition by winning their first two matches, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT). While the results show that Gaikwad is off to a 100% start, it appears that the handover of the baton from Dhoni has not yet fully taken place.
“I have had to look at Mahi (MSD) bhai and Ruturaj – both these days for field placements and such. So there is a bit of confusion as to where to look now, but Ruturaj is doing well and he is leading the way,” Chahar said on Tuesday after the competition in a conversation with the broadcaster.
Chahar also talked about his role in the franchise since the captaincy change from Dhoni to Ruturaj took place. Not much has changed for him as he is still the franchise’s favorite player to take wickets in the powerplay.
“Since the time I have been playing, I have been bowling three overs in the powerplay, I am used to it and just trying to bowl as best I can with the new rules,” he said.
Chahar also spoke about the new rule in IPL that allows a bowler to deliver two bouncers in an over. The seamer is happy with this option as it helps the pacers improve their game.
“Earlier, if you bowled a bouncer in the first 2-3 balls, batters were always ready for a full-length ball, but this new rule of two bouncers allowing an over will help all the pacers. There is always bounce, but there is not much dew at the moment. The ball grabs and bounces in such conditions,” he claimed.
Chahar was brilliant with the new ball for CSK, taking the wickets of Wriddhiman Saha and Shuban Gill and producing figures of 2/28 in 4 overs.
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