<p>Chennai: Newly-appointed Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been handed a 'huge' responsibility but with the likes of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja still there to guide him in the field, he is breathing easy.</p><p>The legendary Dhoni handed over the CSK captaincy to Gaikwad a day before their <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/indian-premier-league">IPL</a> opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru here on Friday.</p><p>Having joined the franchise in 2019, Gaikwad has established himself in the team but leading the side will be a massive challenge.</p>.IPL 2024: How and where to watch the 17th edition of the league, & other live streaming details.<p>"It is a privilege. More than that, it is a huge responsibility but I am really excited because of the kind of group we have. Everyone's experienced enough so not much of a thing for me to do," said Gaikwad in a short video posted by CSK on social media.</p><p>Dhoni will very much be there to help him in decision-making and so will be Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane, who batted at a head-turning strike rate of 172.49 last season.</p><p>"Plus I have Mahi bhai in the team, Jaddu bhai and Ajju bhai (Rahane) as well, who has been a great captain, to guide me. So nothing much to worry about. Looking forward to enjoy it," added the opener.</p>.<p>Gaikwad, a stylish opener, had a memorable run last year, aggregating 590 runs in 16 games at an impressive strike rate of 147.50. His breakout year was 2021 when he amassed 635 runs in 16 games.</p><p>The 27-year-old is not new to captaincy, having led the Indian team to the gold medal in the Asian Games last year. He has also led his state side Maharashtra.</p><p>Gaikwad has also played six ODIs and 19 T20 Internationals. </p>
<p>Chennai: Newly-appointed Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been handed a 'huge' responsibility but with the likes of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja still there to guide him in the field, he is breathing easy.</p><p>The legendary Dhoni handed over the CSK captaincy to Gaikwad a day before their <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/indian-premier-league">IPL</a> opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru here on Friday.</p><p>Having joined the franchise in 2019, Gaikwad has established himself in the team but leading the side will be a massive challenge.</p>.IPL 2024: How and where to watch the 17th edition of the league, & other live streaming details.<p>"It is a privilege. More than that, it is a huge responsibility but I am really excited because of the kind of group we have. Everyone's experienced enough so not much of a thing for me to do," said Gaikwad in a short video posted by CSK on social media.</p><p>Dhoni will very much be there to help him in decision-making and so will be Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane, who batted at a head-turning strike rate of 172.49 last season.</p><p>"Plus I have Mahi bhai in the team, Jaddu bhai and Ajju bhai (Rahane) as well, who has been a great captain, to guide me. So nothing much to worry about. Looking forward to enjoy it," added the opener.</p>.<p>Gaikwad, a stylish opener, had a memorable run last year, aggregating 590 runs in 16 games at an impressive strike rate of 147.50. His breakout year was 2021 when he amassed 635 runs in 16 games.</p><p>The 27-year-old is not new to captaincy, having led the Indian team to the gold medal in the Asian Games last year. He has also led his state side Maharashtra.</p><p>Gaikwad has also played six ODIs and 19 T20 Internationals. </p>