'We never interfered in cricket matters': CSK CEO aims veiled dig at MI over MS Dhoni-Ruturaj Gaikwad captaincy switch
Hindustan TimesThe 2024 season of the Indian Premier League saw major leadership changes at two of the most successful franchises in the league, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. While the CSK announced a day before their IPL opener that MS Dhoni had handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, the switch was rather controversial at MI. Ruturaj Gaikwad greets Hardik Pandya after an IPL 2024 match The announcement divided opinions with many of MI fans criticising the decision; the fans didn't warm up to Hardik when the season began, too, as Hardik was booed at the Wankhede Stadium in the opening few matches. The franchise's CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, spoke in detail about CSK's captaincy switch and while he didn't take MI's name, he implied that the smooth transition helped the fans, as well as the fellow team members who warmed up to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Because if there is pressure from the crowd, you can imagine what happened to other captains.” 'We don't interfere in cricket matters' Viswanathan further stressed that the CSK management hasn't interfered in cricket-related decisions, that helped Gaikwad – as well as the other members of the Super Kings side – with clarity in decision-making.