Rohit Sharma to replace MS Dhoni as CSK captain from IPL 2025? Ambati Rayudu shocks cricketing fraternity

Ambati Rayudu has said he would not only like Rohit Sharma to play for Chennai Super Kings but also lead them once MS Dhoni retires. Rohit Sharma’s future with Mumbai Indians is under doubt after he was unceremoniously removed as the captain of the franchise ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). India allrounder Hardik Pandya has replaced the veteran batsman as the captain of the team ahead of IPL 2024.

Pandya, who played for Gujarat Titans in the last two IPL seasons, returned to Mumbai Indians through a trade deal last year and was handed the captaincy of the side. Many believe that Rohit Sharma should not have been sacked as the captain in such a manner after everything he did for the franchise.

Rohit Sharma started his IPL career with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers before moving to Mumbai Indians in 2011. In 2013, he replaced Ricky Ponting as the captain of the team and transformed Mumbai Indians into IPL powerhouses from underachievers. In his very first season, Mumbai Indians won their maiden IPL title and went on to become the first team to win the IPL thrice and then five times.

Ambati Rayudu on Rohit Sharma’s future:

With Rohit Sharma’s future with Mumbai Indians in doubt, Ambati Rayudu has said he would like to see his former India and IPL teammate play for Chennai Super Kings from 2025. Rayudu himself plied his trade for the Chennai-based outfit after playing a successful stint with Mumbai Indians. The former India batsman also said that Rohit can replace MS Dhoni as the captain of the team once the latter retires.

“I want Rohit Sharma to play for CSK in 2025, if MS retires then Rohit can lead as well,” Ambati Rayudu told News 24 Sports.

Rayudu said "I want Rohit Sharma to play for CSK in 2025, if MS retires then Rohit can lead as well". [News 24 Sports] pic.twitter.com/7ZpaaSUdyF

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 11, 2024

Rohit has enjoyed a stellar run in the IPL so far. He is the only player to win the title six times and is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in the competition. In 243 matches, he has scored 6211 runs with the help of one century and 42 half-centuries.

Meanwhile, IPL 2024 is scheduled to be played from March 22. Reigning champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore will be up against each other in the first game of the tournament.