Ravichandran Ashwin suggested Ruturaj Gaikwad as the potential successor to MS Dhoni’s captaincy in CSK, addressing the leadership gaps ahead of IPL 2024.
The reigning IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, are anticipated to emerge as frontrunners in the upcoming season, fueled by MS Dhoni’s leadership that secured their fifth IPL title. Ravichandran Ashwin, however, suggested a focal point for Chennai: the captaincy.
While speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin advocated for Ruturaj Gaikwad as a potential successor, echoing Ambati Rayudu’s recent statement. The Indian bowler also evaluated Ben Stokes’ leadership skills after his release pre-IPL 2024 auction.
“The holes that CSK will try to fill are ones of captaincy, which I believe Ruturaj Gaikwad is going to take over, as Ambati Rayudu said in his latest interview. Ben Stokes, too, was taken by CSK on the same philosophy of playing an able right hand. Needless to say, he is a quality leader, and CSK is a team that values experience. I think they’ll go back to Shardul and get their combination back,” Ashwin said.
“Another thing that they would be thinking about is who is the replacement keeper for MS Dhoni and even about retention next year. Actually, there were so many rumors in the air that CSK was going to trade this player to see him as a future successor to MS Dhoni. I don’t want to call out names, as I am also playing in a franchise. But a team like CSK is filled with thinkers,” he added.
Before the IPL 2024 mini-auction, Chennai Super Kings released key players like Ben Stokes, Dwaine Pretorius, Ambati Rayudu, and Kyle Jamieson. With a budget of INR 31.4 crore, they’ll participate in the auction on December 19 in Dubai.
Last Updated on November 29, 2023
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