IPL: Who is the successor of MS Dhoni in CSK? Ambati Rayudu revealed the name of his choice

Ambati Rayudu has revealed the successor of MS Dhoni in Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, he is no Ravindra Jadeja or Ben Stokes. Rayudu ended his trophy-laden IPL career in May 2023 by winning the 2023 edition with CSK. The 42-year-old Dhoni guided CSK to a record-extending fifth IPL title last season and hinted at returning to play next season after the final. The legendary wicket-keeper batsman is expected to retire after playing one or possibly two seasons and this has raised a question in front of not only CSK but all cricket fans as to who will be his successor.

 

Jadeja is the frontrunner to take over the captaincy role after Dhoni, but he will turn 35 during IPL 2024 and would not be an ideal candidate for long-term planning. Ben Stokes, CSK’s costliest player ever, has been making strides as captain in Test cricket but failed to feature regularly in the last IPL season. Veteran Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu feels that batsman Rituraj Gaikwad has all the leadership qualities required to captain CSK. He added that the CSK opener can lead the team for the next ten years if Dhoni grooms him for the role.

 

Ambati Rayudu said that talking about the future, I think Rituraj Gaikwad has a very good chance. In an interview, he said that he has leadership qualities. So if Mahi bhai grooms him for a year or two, he can lead the team for 7-8 or 10 years. He is in good hands with Mahi Bhai and Fleming. He is calm, practical and extremely talented. India makes the best use of him (Gaikwad). I don’t think they are at the moment. He should play for India in every format. Gaikwad’s name emerged in the media as the next captain of CSK after the BCCI appointed him to lead India’s T20I team during the Asian Games in Hangzhou this year.