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Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming sees no difference in the leadership styles of MS Dhoni and Ruthraj Gaikwad. The reigns were taken over by opening batsman Dhoni after the legendary cricketer decided to hand over the captaincy of CSK before the start of IPL 2024. So far so good for Gaikwad who has won three out of five matches as captain this season. . But all the three matches were played at the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, which is CSK's stronghold.
GaikwadWhenever CSK travels in this IPL, his leadership has been a bit relaxed. However, Fleming believes Dhoni And Gaikwad is cut from cloth. The former New Zealand captain opined that Dhoni's calmness rubbed off on Gaikwad.
“There is no difference. It's just how cool he is. I know the last captain was very cool. But this guy is cut from the same cloth, so it rubs off,” Fleming told reporters in Mumbai, asked if he had any discussions with Gaikwad in terms of the difference between his captaincy and his batting. When asked.
Gaikwad has been criticized for “slow” batting. The right-handed opening batsman has so far scored 155 runs at a strike rate of 117.42 in five matches. Fleming said it was “unfair” to place the 27-year-old in the slow bracket.
“He's an impressive young man all around his game and what he's got to do. He's, I think, unfairly put into the bracket of calling him slow. But you have to have context for some of these stats,” added Fleming.
“We know it's a bit of a Bollywood film, which sometimes brings these things on screen. But he is fine. He is playing the situation well. The last game (CSK vs KKR) is a good example of how a captain plays and has class too. I have no doubts about Ruthuraj.
Fleming made it clear that appointing Ruthuraj as captain was a long-term call and not a temporary decision by the five-time winner. “I think so. That's the plan, and so far it's worked well. The transition has been really smooth. He's judged by wins but we judge it differently. His leadership around the team is top-notch. I imagine it's going to be hopefully as many years as the last captain,” added Fleming.
'Dhoni fans are CSK well-wishers': Fleming
The former New Zealand captain said that Dhoni has been the beneficiary of the love he has received from CSK fans, which has been overwhelming at times.
“It's amazing, to be honest. It's really amazing, it's love… Let's be honest, the love India has for MS Dhoni and we're the beneficiaries of it,” Fleming said.
“The team, (a) no doubt, feel proud when they walk out to an away game and there's a huge amount of yellow. If not all yellow, it can be overwhelming in some cases.
“But we are under no illusions as to who created it and who created it. We are very proud of him and his involvement with the team. People come out and support them and if that's secondary we look at the team as a real honor. We are both very closely related,” added Fleming.
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