MS Dhoni’s Shadow and the Future of Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL

Many cricket fans and experts have been talking about how MS Dhoni’s presence in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may be affecting the growth of young players like Ruturaj Gaikwad. Sanjay Bangar, a former India batting coach, shared his honest thoughts on this matter just before what could be Dhoni’s last match in the IPL. Bangar expressed that since Dhoni is still captaining the team, Gaikwad and fellow player Ravindra Jadeja are not able to develop as forceful leaders in their own right. Rather than learning and making new moves, they are remaining in the shadow of Dhoni and emulating his approach. This is preventing them from being full-fledged leaders.

CSK was about to play their last league game against Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025. Fans believed this match could mark the end of Dhoni’s IPL career, a player who has been an important part of the team for many years. Even though CSK was already out of the playoffs, Dhoni encouraged his team to enjoy their cricket without pressure. He also tweaked the playing squad by substituting Ravichandran Ashwin with Deepak Hooda. Dhoni displayed a positive outlook considering the team's placement within the tournament, reminding everyone to enjoy themselves and play with confidence.

Bangar's comments touch on a crucial challenge for CSK. When a great leader like Dhoni stays on for a long time, it can sometimes block the rise of younger players who need a chance to lead and grow. Gaikwad is a talented young player but so far, he has not fully stepped out to lead the team by himself. Bangar said that both Gaikwad and Jadeja tend to copy Dhoni’s mindset and approach. This prevents them from experimenting with new concepts or demonstrating their own leadership skills. Although learning from a legend like Dhoni is fine, it is also desirable for new leaders to forge their own style.

CSK has been the most successful team in IPL history, with the trophy coming their way five times when Dhoni was captain. But this season, things went awry for them. They were the first side to be eliminated from the playoffs contest. Nevertheless, Dhoni is a calm and positive presence. On the toss for the final match, he declared the pitch was fine and that the weather was hot but tolerable. Dhoni said playing cricket must be about having a good time playing the game when there is no possibility of altering the team's position in the tournament.

The Gujarat Titans match was not just a game for Dhoni. It might be the last time he captains CSK in the IPL. His presence on the field has been an inspiration to numerous players and fans. However, the question remains how the team will proceed after Dhoni retires. Who will be the new captain? That is where Gaikwad's contribution comes into play. If Dhoni steps away, Gaikwad will have a big opportunity to show what he can do as a captain and as a player.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is still young but he has shown great skill with the bat and calmness on the field. Many people believe that if he can come out of Dhoni’s shadow and start thinking independently, he can become a strong leader. This will oblige him to take greater responsibility and make decisions without always walking the path laid down by Dhoni. It will also involve learning to cope with pressure and lead the team in crisis situations. The IPL is the ideal venue for Gaikwad to develop because it converges the best players and assesses leadership quality at high-pressure levels.

Ravindra Jadeja, another veteran player, is similarly placed. Like Gaikwad, he has been under Dhoni’s leadership for many years. While Jadeja is an excellent all-rounder, he has not yet taken on full captaincy duties in CSK. Bangar’s observation that both these players mirror Dhoni’s mindset suggests that they have not fully developed their own leadership styles. When Dhoni finally steps down, both Gaikwad and Jadeja will have a chance to show what they can do. It will be important for them to take bold steps and lead with confidence.

This transition period will be critical for CSK as a team. Dhoni’s experience and calmness have been a big reason for CSK’s success over the years. Without him, the team will need new leaders who can bring fresh energy and ideas. It won't be simple to substitute a legend like Dhoni, but cricket is a game that keeps moving ahead with newer faces. Gaikwad's emergence as a leader will be followed very carefully by the fans and cricket experts across the globe.

In the end, Dhoni’s influence on the team will always remain, but it is time for younger players to take charge. The IPL has seen many players grow into great leaders when given the chance. Ruturaj Gaikwad has the skill and the opportunity to become one of those leaders if he can step out from under Dhoni’s shadow. This will benefit both him and CSK as they look to the future.

MS Dhoni’s legacy in IPL is already secure, but the future depends on how players like Gaikwad and Jadeja evolve. If they can learn to lead with their own style and confidence then CSK will continue to be a strong team in the years to come. Fans hope that the team will find new leaders who can carry forward Dhoni’s spirit and help CSK win many more titles. Otherwise, everyone awaits anxiously to observe how the new stars develop and how the side copes after the MS Dhoni era.