Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, MS Dhoni has stepped down as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, much to the surprise of the fans and cricket experts.

Dhoni, who has led the Super Kings to as many as five IPL titles, has handed over the captaincy reins to top-order batter Ruturaj Gaikwad.

After the development, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said that the team was not ready not ready to move on from Dhoni despite appointing Ravindra Jadeja as their skipper in IPL 2022.

Notably, CSK entered the IPL 2022 with Jadeja as their skipper but the move backfired, leading to Dhoni reclaiming the leadership duties midway through the tournament.

However, Fleming confirmed they were aware of Dhoni’s decision this time around while also adding that the franchise is working hard to prepare future leaders.

"We weren't ready to move away from MS (Dhoni) in 2022. Dhoni has a good sense of the game, but we want to develop the young players for the role. We are well prepared this time," Fleming told the media ahead of CSK's clash against RCB.

"(The) last time MS (had) left captaincy, (it) was shocking to us and we weren't aware that MS would step down. But this time we knew," he added.

"We have been working hard to prepare leaders. We have been slow on life after MS Dhoni. But trusting the youngsters has paid off well for us. I have already had a word with the youngsters like Rutu (Gaekwad) about leadership and captaincy. It is a great opportunity for him to lead the team," he further stated.

While many speculated that MS Dhoni was going to retire after the IPL 2023, he vowed to return fitness-permitting after CSK's final win.

In fact, Dhoni underwent a knee surgery following the triumphant campaign and recovered in time to take part in the 2024 edition.

Fleming said Dhoni had looked promising in practice games heading into the IPL and hoped he would not have any fitness-related issues during the tournament.

"MS has done well in the practice games and I hope that we will have his services for the rest of the season," he said.

CSK will begin their title defence in the IPL 2024 opener against RCB at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

(With PTI inputs)