Ambati Rayudu Snubs Ravindra Jadeja As He Names MS Dhoni's Successor At CSK

Former Chennai Super Kings cricketer Ambati Rayudu has overlooked Ravindra Jadeja while expressing his opinion on who might lead CSK in the IPL after MS Dhoni’s retirement. Ambati Rayudu has suggested that Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to lead the team in the future.

MS Dhoni, who has been leading the Chennai-based franchise since the inaugural edition, passed the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja before the IPL 2022. However, the spin-bowling all-rounder stepped down from the captaincy following a string of losses in the tournament.

Ravindra Jadeja led the CSK team in eight games in the 2022 edition, registering just two victories during the tournament. Dhoni took over the team’s charge in the middle of the tournament. He then guided the team to a record-equalling title victory in the next season.

Ideally, It Should Be Ruturaj Gaikwad – Ambati Rayudu

Speaking on The Ranveer Show in a YouTube podcast, Ambati Rayudu suggested that Ruturaj Gaikwad should ideally become the CSK captain after Dhoni. However, he added a note of uncertainty, saying, “But let’s see.”

“I think, ideally, it should be Rutu. But let’s see,” Rayudu said.

Ambati Rayudu played for the CSK franchise in the IPL from 2018 to 2023. The veteran batter was instrumental in their IPL title victories in 2018, 2021, and 2023. Following the CSK team’s fifth title victory, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in India.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Debuted For Chennai Super Kings In 2020

Ruturaj Gaikwad has significant leadership experience, having previously led a second-string Indian team to a gold medal in the Asian Games and serving as the captain of the Maharashtra side. He is the vice-captain of India in the ongoing T20I series against Australia.

The 26-year-old made his IPL debut with the Chennai Super Kings in 2020. He emerged as the leading run-scorer of the 2021 season, scoring 635 runs in 16 matches. He played a crucial role in the title victory in 2021, leading to his retention by the franchise for the IPL 2022.

Also read: “It Was Weird To Sit In The Dressing Room..”- Ambati Rayudu Shuts Down CSK vs MI Culture Talks