NEW DELHI: Former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu firmly expressed his opinion regarding the leadership dynamics within the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team, stating that despite Ruturaj Gaikwad‘s presence as the official captain, it is still the legendary MS Dhoni who is effectively leading the team.Sidhu’s observation emphasises the enduring influence and leadership prowess of Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the most successful captains in the history of Indian cricket.Sidhu, known for his outright comments, shared his viewpoint when asked who has impressed him the most, as per strategic point of view, among the current crop of young and new captains in the IPL so far.“If you talk about Ruturaj, he is still under the shadow of Dhoni. You can say as many times that Dhoni is not captaining, but ultimately he is leading the side. ‘Bargad ke neeche kya uga hai, uga kar dikhao. When Dhoni leaves, there might be no shadow of him,” said Sidhu, who is doing commentary in the ongoing IPL, on the #AskStar show on Star Sports. Sidhu also stated that one can only evaluate a captain after he has guided the team through nearly 50 matches.Sidhu praised Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson for his maturity and skillful resource management. And when it comes to the best leadership, the cricketer-turned commentator named Australian skipper Pat Cummins, currently leading Sunrisers Hyderabad, as the best captain.Dhoni’s tenure as captain of CSK has been marked by remarkable achievements, including five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, which have solidified his reputation as a shrewd tactician and an astute leader. Despite stepping down from the captaincy role before the start of IPL 2024, Dhoni continues to exert a significant influence on the team’s strategy and decision-making, both on and off the field.Ruturaj, while assuming the formal captaincy position, may still be in the process of growing into his leadership role within the team. Dhoni’s experience, tactical acumen, and ability to mentor younger players likely play a crucial role in guiding Gaikwad and the rest of the team during matches and training sessions.Sidhu’s remarks highlight the intricate dynamics of leadership within cricket teams, where the presence of a seasoned veteran like Dhoni can continue to shape the team’s performance and direction, even as newer leaders emerge. Dhoni’s leadership legacy at CSK remains a cornerstone of the team’s identity, with his influence extending far beyond his official title.
