Ruturaj Gaikwad appears to have taken a page out of MS Dhoni’s book when it comes to answering tricky questions. The Chennai Super Kings captain recently came up with a response that immediately reminded
fans of one of Dhoni’s most iconic press-conference moments. Ruturaj Gaikwad said “Then that’s your answer” recently in an event and that has drawn attention after CSK shared a post comparing the moment with Dhoni’s famous “Then you have answered the question” line. MS Dhoni’s original moment came after India’s defeat to West Indies in the 2015 T20 World Cup semi-final, when an Australian journalist asked him about his future.
Instead of directly answering the retirement question, Dhoni invited the journalist to the dais and turned the interview around. He asked whether he looked unfit while running and whether he could continue until the 2019 World Cup. When the journalist replied in the affirmative, Dhoni smiled and said, “Then you have answered the question.” The exchange left the room laughing. Almost a decade later, Gaikwad has produced his own version of that response. MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024. While the circumstances are different, the similarity in the way the two CSK captains handled the question has caught the attention of fans on social media.
‘There is no rush’: Ruturaj Gaikwad on CSK’s search for Fleming’s successor
The head-coach position of Chennai Super Kings remains vacant ahead of the 2027 IPL. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed the management is considering options but stressed there is no rush with the next IPL still months away. CEO Kasi Viswanathan has said the franchise is leaning towards an overseas coach and will consult both MS Dhoni and Gaikwad before finalising the appointment.
Stephen Fleming’s 18-year association with Chennai Super Kings ended in July 2026. The New Zealander and the franchise mutually agreed to part ways after three successive seasons without a playoff appearance, the last title having come in 2023. Fleming also stepped away from the sister franchises in SA20 and Major League Cricket.
Other names circulating include current batting coach Michael Hussey, who spent six seasons as a CSK player and has deep institutional knowledge. Albie Morkel, recently linked with Joburg Super Kings is viewed as a natural internal candidate. Brendon McCullum’s white-ball experience and previous IPL experience with Kolkata Knight Riders keep him in conversations. Eoin Morgan has also been mentioned although it looks unlikely. Indian candidates such as Hemang Badani (fresh from Delhi Capitals) and Rahul Dravid remain in the discussion, though the preference is for Chennai Super Kings is an overseas appointment
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