IPL 2024: 'Never Felt Any Pressure, Had Mahi Bhai By My Side,' Says Ruturaj Gaikwad After Win On CSK Captaincy Debut

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Ruturaj Gaikwad made his captaincy debut in IPL 2024 season opener on Friday (March 22) and was off to a winning start over Royal Challengers Bangalore in front of home fans at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The opener said captaincy is no burden to him while he has MS Dhoni by his side.

"I've always enjoyed it (captaincy), never felt it as an additional pressure," said Gaikwad. "I had experience on how to handle it, never felt any pressure, obviously had Mahi (MS Dhoni) bhai as well."

The 27-year-old batter further added that he enjoyed the fact that CSK dominated the match with Mustafizur Rahman's early spell earning four wickets to leave RCB batting line-up all exposed at 78/5 by the 12th over.

"Total control I would say, right from the start (apart) from 2-3 overs. Would've loved 10-15 runs less but I think they played really well towards the end. I feel that was a big turning point to get Maxwell and Faf out. We got three quick wickets and it helped us control the next overs, that was the real turning point," Gaikwad said.

The new CSK captain added that every player in the team knows their role and them clicking early in the season, including Ajinkya Rahane, gives them momentum early in the season. However, Gaikwad added there are areas the Yellow Army need to improve.

"I think everyone in our squad are natural strokeplayers, I think even Jinks (Ajinkya Rahane) is playing really positively. Everyone knows their roles and which bowlers to take on. Role clarity really helps. Two-three things to work on, everyone batted well but I think if someone from the top 3 batted till the 15th over it would've been even easier," he said.

Chennai Super Kings next host Gujarat Titans in their upcoming match on March 26 while RCB will play their first home match against Punjab Kings on March 25.