MS Dhoni stepped down as CSK skipper on March 21.
Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator, Wasim Jaffer, questioned the timing of MS Dhoni's decision to step down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and pass the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the IPL 2024.
Dhoni's unexpected announcement came just a day before the opening match of IPL 2024 between CSK and RCB, with the world getting to know only when Ruturaj appeared in the captains' photoshoot on March 21.
Well, Jaffer believes that this timing was not ideal. He opined that such a move would have been more appropriate if Dhoni had not been part of the team. He expressed concerns that Dhoni's presence in the squad could potentially create challenges for the newly appointed captain Ruturaj.
Wasim Jaffer told ESPNCricinfo: “I think it would have made more sense if MS Dhoni was not around. He had retired, and he was not around. It would have made any captain's life a lot easier. Now, with MS Dhoni being around, it always makes a job a lot more difficult for any captain.”
Jaffer added, “Whether he takes any decision and whether Dhoni agrees to it or not. Whether he likes those decisions. And you are on your own, and we all know that Ruturaj Gaikwad would have been the successor. But I think if Dhoni was not around, it would have made a lot easier.”
However, there has been no official announcement about Dhoni's future as a player in the IPL.
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)