The first match of IPL 2024 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) marked the debut of Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain of the five-time champions. However, he was the skipper on paper, and MS Dhoni was calling all the shots. The veteran was taking all the calls from the field placements to the bowling changes.
Virender Sehwag was watching the proceedings from the commentary box along with other veterans, including Suresh Raina, who was with CSK for a long time.
Viru, who was renowned for his hilarious comments, said Dhoni is still the captain of the franchise and not the opening batter, Ruturaj. Sitting with him, Raina disagreed and told Viru that Gaikwad was leading the side, with Dhoni only giving a helping hand.
However, Sehwag was proven right after footage from the broadcasting channel showed it was Dhoni who was giving all the instructions, with Ruturaj following his senior.
“Dhoni is the captain of the Chennai Super Kings, and Ruturaj is just there to follow the instructions he gave,” Virender Sehwag said on air.
“I don’t think so, as Ruturaj is making the field placements and bowling changes,” Suresh Raina responded.
After seeing the clip, Raina couldn’t defend his former franchise more. “You are right. Dhoni is making all the moves,” he said.
Viru lauded Ruturaj Gaikwad to lighten the mood and reminded everyone that the young captain leads Maharashtra in domestic cricket.
Meanwhile, CSK defeated RCB by 6 wickets to start the new season with a bang. The Men in Yellow played the perfect game in all the game departments. After restricting the rivals to a score of 173, the hosts completed the chase in 19.3 overs with six wickets in hand.