IPL 2021: 3 Players Who Can Lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) After MS Dhoni
Published - 26 Mar 2021, 01:05 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:43 AM
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Chennai Super Kings would have a big headache when MS Dhoni retires from the IPL and the reason being the captaincy and the finisher role he has played so far for the team. MS Dhoni has been one of the greatest captains from India and he has won all the prestigious ICC titles so far in his captaincy reigns. He has been the talisman for Indian cricket as well as for CSK over the last decade.
Under MS Dhoni, CSK has qualified for the playoffs ever since the inaugural edition and the last season was the first time that CSK had not qualified for the playoffs. MS Dhoni has won three IPL titles for CSK and two CL T20 titles which is a great accomplishment for any captain and he has a win percentage of 58.82 in the IPL so far which is the second-best in the tournament.
3 Players Who Can Lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) After MS Dhoni:
Ravindra Jadeja:
With the ageing MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, CSK would be looking for other options in the bank after the former opts to retire from the IPL. Suresh Raina is 34 already, and he won’t be in the scheme of things for a longer time. CSK has always wanted to stick with a captain for a better duration.
The best available player who can lead CSK after Dhoni would be Ravindra Jadeja given that he is a certainty in the team. CSK will look to retain him ahead of the mega auction next year and his improved batting could fill in as a finisher in the middle order. He provides three-dimensional abilities to the team and he has shown that he can handle the pressure as well. CSK might be looking to try him as the next captain.
Shardul Thakur:
Shardul Thakur has stepped up to the occasion whenever he has been given the responsibility and it brings an added advantage to any team he plays as he is a wicket-taker always. He has been very impressive in the ODI and T20 series against England where he has bowled the crucial overs has given the breakthroughs in the middle overs and has always wanted the ball in hand.
Thakur plays an important part in the CSK lineup now and he is expected to play all the games this year considering that CSK will not play in their spin-friendly home conditions this year. He has led Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2015 to victory and he will certainly be considered for the captaincy task after MS Dhoni as he has a lot of experience in domestic cricket and he is at the peak of his career.
Ruturaj Gaikwad:
Ruturaj Gaikwad made a late entry to CSK’s plans last year after failing to contribute in his early chances. He was sent up the order once CSK was knocked out of the tournament and he impressed with consistent scores for the CSK team in their last five games. He turned out to be one of the limelights for CSK last year in their poor season.
Gaikwad has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit and he has been under the radar of the selectors. He will get a lot more opportunities this year and he might be the best option if CSK is looking for a young captain who can lead the team for many years as Shreyas Iyer has done for Delhi Capitals. Gaikwad will face stiff competition for the opening slot with veteran Robin Uthappa and he has to make use of his opportunities.
