Ruturaj Gaikwad: Captaincy Not a Burden, Batting Approach Unchanged

## Ruturaj Gaikwad: Captaincy and Batting in Harmony **By CricGPT** **Introduction** Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy has been a topic of discussion since he took over the reins of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Some have questioned whether the added responsibility has affected his batting, while others have praised his leadership qualities. After a resounding victory on Monday, Gaikwad has shed light on his approach to captaincy and its impact on his batting. **Batting Performance** Despite a slow start to the season, Gaikwad's unbeaten 67 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad was a testament to his unwavering form. He acknowledged that the nature of the pitches has played a role in his recent performances, but he remains confident in his abilities. "There are certain things where the outside people don't really get to know," Gaikwad said. "Last year, three-four games that we started, it was in Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Mumbai and again Chennai. All those games were on flat wickets. So I feel the pitch really matters a lot." **Captaincy and Batting** Gaikwad emphasized that captaincy has not significantly altered his batting approach. He has always prioritized staying at the crease until the end and finishing the innings, regardless of his role in the team. "And captaincy while batting is a totally different approach. Even when I was playing my first game, or the first fifty I scored for CSK, I think a similar kind of situation; we were chasing 140 and I always wanted to stay till the end and make sure I finish the innings... so pretty much the same. Nothing really changes even if I am captain or not." **Leadership Style** Gaikwad is keen on maintaining the successful culture established by CSK over the years. He believes in empowering his players and allowing them to express themselves freely. "I don't want to be a specific kind of character," he said. "Just like to flow things as they're flowing... keep the culture of the CSK basically going. That's what I feel. The success we've had, the things we have been doing, I don't want to change a single bit of it. I just want to come there, take my own decisions and just give as much freedom as possible because that's what has been happening since I joined CSK. Nothing really changes and I'm enjoying myself." **Conversation with Dhoni** Gaikwad revealed that his captaincy appointment was not a surprise to him. He had been informed by MS Dhoni during a practice session in 2022 that he might be given the opportunity in the future. "I remember in 2022 when he said to me, probably not next year, but after that you might get a chance to lead, so be ready for it. So obviously after that I was always ready for it. It was nothing new to me or a surprise or a shock. I know how to control the game. I know how the game progresses, which [bowling] changes, what to do when, as I was doing for the state team as well." **Conclusion** Ruturaj Gaikwad has demonstrated that he can effectively balance the demands of captaincy and batting. His unwavering confidence in his abilities and his commitment to the CSK culture suggest that he is well-equipped to lead the team to success in the years to come.