It is most likely that 2024 edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) is going to the last IPL for veteran wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni. Though the legendry cricketer has not made any announcement about his retirement from the league, it is expected that his body may not permit him to carry on playing in the mega tournament anymore.
Dhoni has an injured knee and he will turn 43 this year. Hence, he should not be stretched any further. Moreover, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have also to find their next generation of leader who can take the mantle from great Dhoni and guide the team properly for next few years.
In 2022, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was named as CSK captain just before the league was to start. However, after a few losses, Dhoni was renamed the captain of the side.
Meanwhile, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has finally broken silence over who can lead CSK after Dhoni calls it quits. As per Viswanathan, the next skipper of the team will not be decided by him or any other top official, rather the captain and coach will take this call.
“See, there have been internal talks. But, Mr. Srinivasan has made it very clear. Let’s not talk about captain and vice-captain appointments. Let’s leave it to the coach and the captain to decide. Let them decide and convey the information to me, and then I will convey it to you all. He has said that ‘the captain and the coach will decide and give us a directive, till then let’s all keep quiet,” said Viswanathan.
As per sources, among the candidates who can lead CSK after Dhoni are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali. The biggest contender of them all is Gaikwad, who is young and is also growing into a mature cricketer. He has also gained much experience and picked Dhoni’s brain by playing under the Captain Cool.