MS Dhoni is likely to play in his last IPL next year.
With reports emerging that the BCCI is mulling over bringing in MS Dhoni in some kind of role with India's T20I team following another World Cup failure, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might have to start hunting for a new captain after the end of the upcoming Indian Premier League 2023 (IPL 2023).
However, CSK confirmed that Dhoni will lead the Yellow Army in the upcoming IPL 2023, but there are high chances of him playing his last season next year, whether the legendary cricketer takes up India’s coaching job or not, leaving the franchise to look for another leader.
Speaking about the situation, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer made an unexpected suggestion for Dhoni's replacement as CSK captain. He backed Ruturaj Gaikwad for the job ahead of the IPL in 2023.
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Wasim Jaffer was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “They will stick with Devon Conway (as wicketkeeper) I feel. He is the next in line. MS might look at somebody else as well. I don't know who that will be. I feel they'll have their eyes on who is gonna lead CSK after Dhoni.”
The cricket pundit continued, “Gaikwad could be that one. Because he is young. He captains Maharashtra as well. They might look to develop him as the next leader and probably give him some responsibility. I hope Shivam Dube, Mukesh Chowdhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, and even Subhranshu Senapati - these guys need to have a good season.
I hope these guys get an opportunity because this is the last season they will play along with Dhoni. So, you want them to turn this season around. Become a better player and hopefully take the legacy forward. So, these Indian guys need to stand up. Dube had a few seasons under his belt. But these 3 guys, Hangargekar haven't played any game, and Subhranshu hasn't played any game.”
Jaffer concluded, “But you want these guys to take that leap from Dhoni and learn the trade and become better players - which we have seen with Chahar, Gaikwad, and all the others that have developed. You want the Indian talent to come up in the IPL, that's what I am looking forward to with this franchise.”