CSK were not ready to move on from MS Dhoni in 2022: Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming admitted the franchise was not ready to “move on” from MS Dhoni in IPL 2022 when Ravindra Jadeja was named captain. He added that CSK are now “well-prepared” to have a new skipper in Ruturaj Gaikwad.

CSK announced Gaikwad as the captain on the eve of the IPL season-opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

CSK had eneterd IPL 2022 with Jadeja as their skipper but the move backfired with the team losing six of eight matches including four in a row. MS Dhoni was forced into taking back the role midway through the season in which they finished second last.

Read | Why did CSK choose Gaikwad as CSK captain?

“The big thing about 2022 was that we were not ready for MS (Dhoni) to move aside, and what it did was probably shake us and it was pretty much unthinkable at that stage,” Fleming told the media at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.

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“We have made sure that we work hard on, not to repeat the mistakes that were made back then. The leadership isn’t a secret. We’re making sure to have the right plans in place,” he said.

“MS Dhoni has a wonderful sense of the game. But one of the other things about him that we are proud of is the development of young players. Giving ownership and trust really works. It’s not just the captain’s job to pull the strings. We are well-prepared this time,” Fleming said.

Fleming, who has been CSK’s head coach since 2009, said giving up the captaincy was Dhoni’s decision.

“It was MS, with a lot of consideration and a view to the future on the back of a good last season. The timing was good. Behind the scenes, Ruturaj and others have been going through captaincy grooming courses, especially for days like this. When the opportunity comes up, MS is the best judge,” he said.

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Fleming revealed Dhoni’s announcement was a “low-key” event. “It was typically very low-key, and it quickly took off to a celebration, as the players embraced Ruturaj,” he said.

“Of course, there was a little bit of a shock around it, but going back to two years behind, the players and now the ex-captain (Dhoni) handled it well while announcing the decision to the team,” Fleming added.

MS Dhoni comes into the IPL 2024 season after undergoing knee surgery. Fleming said Dhoni has looked fitter this season.

“The indication from his pre-season is that he is going really well. His body is a lot better and stronger than last year, and his desire to contribute and do well is inspiring and great for us,” said the former Kiwi captain.