The news of Ruturaj replacing MS Dhoni as the captain of Chennai Super Kings has crashed the internet. While on one hand the fans are happy to see a youngster lead the side, its heartbreaking on the other hand to see the end of an era of having MS Dhoni as the captain. Lot has been said about it, and the decision has divided many. But knowing the fact that Dhoni himself has suggested Ruturaj's name as the next leader is equally pleasing. Like Dhoni, now Ruturaj is a name associated with Chennai Super Kings. But not many know on how the two met for the first time, and how Dhoni was impressed with Ruturaj.

It's quite a story to tell. It was a few years back when Ruturaj was far away from limelight. He was busy playing the domestic cricket with the aim of some day representing the nation. It was the same time when MS Dhoni was leading the Indian team. And in the team under Dhoni was another player from Maharashtra, Kedar Jadhav. While Dhoni was a sensation, Kedar had also proved his abilities at the international level as a finisher. And the two of them became good friends over a period of time.

Once when India was not playing any international fixtures, Kedar Jadhav was leading the Maharashtra side in domestic circuit. The side comprised of a young Ruturaj Gaikwad as well. And when the match was going on, Dhoni was in the stands to see his dear friend Kedar Jadhav. Ruturaj and Kedar were batting together at the crease, and the team was in a slightly delicate position. That was the first glimpse of Dhoni watching Ruturaj bat. Shortly after the duo started to bat, Ruturaj Gaikwad got hurt by one of the deliveries.

The ball had struck his hand, and he was writhing in pain. He initially decided to go back in the dressing room as retired hurt, but looking at the condition of his team he changed his decision. He stayed for a few more minutes, batting in pain and eventually was dismissed. He couldn't bat for long, but his courage was good enough to impress Dhoni. Post the match, Dhoni asked Jadhav to take him to meet Ruturaj, who was in the hospital. And while leaving the hospital, he left a note for Gaikwad writing "Get well soon".

Dhoni then kept a keen eye on Gaikwad 's performances, and saw him excel for India A. He then got him in CSK in 2019. While he was in the reserves, one incident involving Ruturaj left Dhoni awestruck. It was CSK against KKR, when Dhoni's team had to face defeat due to Russell's heroics. Post the match, Gaikwad went to Dhoni asking him if he could suggest something. After getting the nod, he then suggested Dhoni a way by changing the fielding positions which could've dismissed Russell. Dhoni was instantly impressed by Gaikwad 's thinking and then responded by saying "You have a sharp cricketing mind. Make sure you are involved in the game the same way in future".

Already good with the bat, Gaikwad managed to impress and win the trust of Dhoni. Which is why, in spite of few failures in the 2020 IPL, he still backed Ruturaj who proved the decision right by scoring a hat-trick of half centuries. Ruturaj then went on to bat exceptionally well in 2021 IPL, thereby winning the orange cap and having a lion's share in CSK's title win. And that's how Ruturaj became an integral part of Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings. Then onwards, he continued to up his game with the bat as well as being a catalyst on the field.

And hence, Dhoni's decision to announce Ruturaj Gaikwad as his heir for the throne of CSK's captaincy is certainly not a surprise. It's a result of the past instances involving the two, which have prompted him to promote the Maharashtra batter to lead the team, which he built and caressed. And going ahead, in all possibilities the decision looks pretty foresighted one to see Ruturaj lead the side, as he will be a huge asset for CSK as well as for the Indian team going ahead. Just like Ruturaj impressed Dhoni with his cricketing mind, one fine day he will make the entire CSK contingent proud of being the captain to successfully carry the legacy of the great MS Dhoni.