DRS, March 22: Thursday proved to be a rather eventful day, with Chennai Super Kings making the massive announcement of replacing MS Dhoni with Ruturaj Gaikwad as the skipper of the team. While that piece of news alone created a lot of flutter in the IPL market, there were other developments too, which are mention-worthy. But without any doubt, much of the action centered around CSK, who will be playing the opening IPL 2024 match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on 22nd March, vs RCB. Here is your dose of Daily Review System for March 22.
Dhoni Passes the Baton
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. After a failed attempt to relieve Dhoni of his captaincy duties in 2022 — where Ravindra Jadeja took over — CSK handed over the reigns of the team to youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad. The 27-year-old has been a star performer for the team over the last few years, has a cool head on his shoulders, and has scored 1797 runs in 52 outings, at an average of 39.
Thala Does it in Style, Mind It!
A little after the unexpected move, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan clarified that the even the management didn’t know of MSD’s decision till the very last moment. He said, “Whatever Dhoni does, it is in the best interest of the team. I got to know of the decision just before the captains’ meeting. You have to respect his decision, it is his call.”
Don’t Worry, MSD Isn’t Going Anywhere
But of course, the world needed to be assured that Dhoni was here to stay and wasn’t bidding adieu to the IPL, CSK, and his fans, as yet. Head coach Stephen Fleming said, “Expecting MS(Dhoni) to play the whole season. His body is much better from last season.” Phew! But one never knows as yet, if he is going to continue beyond this season.
Come Soon, Pathirana!
There are a few concerns in the CSK team, and one of them is the absence of Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana. The Malinga-style bowler will miss a few matches for the team as he is yet to get an NOC from his board. All this, after he suffered a hamstring injury during the second T20I against Bangladesh. But the good news is, CSK have Mutafizur Rahman in their ranks, who could fill that foreign pacer’s slot quite well.
Zampa’s Not Coming, Rajasthan is Fretting
Rajasthan Royals were dealt with a big blow as Aussie leg-spinner Adam Zampa pulled out of IPL 2024, due to personal reasons. He was the second-highest wicket-taker at the World Cup 2023, where he ended with 23 scalps in 11 matches. Earlier, Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury he picked up during a Ranji Trophy match.
IPL 2024 News
PCB Targets IPL Coaches, But Will They Go?
Reports suggest that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is looking to hire Justin Langer or Gary Kirsten for the Pakistan cricket team. Langer is LSG head coach, while Kirsten is GT’s batting coach at the moment. Foreign coaches have shown reluctance to coach Pakistan, and it doesn’t seem very likely that any coach associated with the IPL would want to leave such a lucrative league.
Super Over: 6 News Flash of March 21
Egg Dosa for Dhoni!
One wonders, what does MS Dhoni like to eat? Well, we finally know now that the former CSK skipper likes egg dosas. In fact, he even instructs, how they need to be made.
KL Rahul Impresses, Off the Field
Out of his busy schedule, LSG skipper Rahul found out time to wish his young fan a speedy recovery, who had fallen from the third floor.
Step Well Taken
IPL 2024 commentary, and ball-by-ball updates will now be available for the deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually-impaired fans. This is a special initiative taken by the broadcaster, for the tournament.
Rohit Sharma, MIA
Rohit as absent from a recent practice session of the Mumbai Indians. An official statement said, that nothing’s wrong, and the ex-skipper was going through a specialised training session.
Ishan Kishan’s ‘Golibari’
On an off day from practice, some of the Mumbai Indians player’s engaged in a game of paintball, after a scenic ferry ride in the Arabian Sea.
Ayodhya Calling
Some of the members of team LSG found time to visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. South African Keshav Maharaj, Jonty Rhodes, and coach Justin Langer were part of the group.
