MS Dhoni has been the heart of CSK since the inaugural IPL season. He has led the franchise in each season and the performance of the team has been exceptional under him. Chennai has qualified for the playoffs in all the seasons they have played, IPL 2020 is the exception. Although the team is doing great under Dhoni, it’s time for the CSK management to back a player who is worthy enough to be Dhoni’s successor in the future.
The 40-year old has confirmed his participation in the IPL 2022 season. Dhoni is keen to end his career in front of the Chepauk crowd. The upcoming 10-team IPL edition is expected to go underway in India from April. So, the 2022 edition of the cash-rich league could mark Dhoni’s farewell. Here are 3 players who will be the perfect replacement for 3-time IPL winning captain as far as his aura is concerned.
Suresh Raina
Currently the vice-captain of CSK, Suresh Raina is the only player other than Dhoni who has led the Chennai team. The franchise has been investing faith in the 34-year old left-handed batsman since the first season. And it is the reason, the southpaw is the highest run-scorer among men in yellow, and fans hail him as ‘Chinna Thala’.
Some players are meant to play for only one team throughout their careers, MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina are the kinds of players for CSK. The left-hander has left at least 3-4 years of career in him and until they groom a youngster for the long-term captaincy, Suresh Raina could take up the role for a couple of years.
Ravichandran Ashwin
The off-spinner hails from Chennai and has grown up playing in Chepauk. What would be better if he returns to CSK and takes up the captain’s role? The 35-year old has a brilliant cricketing mind and the local fans would also love to see him playing for his home team. Previously, Ashwin has led Punjab Kings for two seasons, though the franchise didn’t qualify for the playoffs under him, his captaincy skills were appreciated.
Delhi Capitals might not retain Ashwin as players like Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada will be their primary choices. It will be interesting to see if N Srinivasan-owned franchise makes a bid on their former player.
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Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja as captain; this is the avatar every cricket fan would love to see. Currently, the 32-year old all-rounder is arguably the most valuable player in the CSK squad. He is a ‘3-dimensional player’ and having the age factor in his side to be a long-term captain of CSK.
He has been a part of MS Dhoni’s brigade since 2012 and has enjoyed his success in the league with the Chennai franchise. It is quite certain that Super Kings’ management is going to retain the Indian all-rounder ahead of the mega auction. Jadeja can be a great successor of Dhoni for a long time.