The speculation of MS Dhoni’s retirement is rife in the air even as he captains Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing IPL 2023. One of the greatest leaders in the history of the game, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Dhoni rolled back the years by playing a cameo against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday.
MS Dhoni is the second most successful captain in Indian Premier League (IPL) having won four IPL titles, the latest one coming in IPL 2021.
CSK had previously experimented with their captaincy, when Ravindra Jadeja was made skipper ahead of the IPL 2022 season. However, when the team failed to perform and Jadeja himself underperformed due to captaincy pressure, Dhoni took over as captain mid-way into the tournament.
If Dhoni bids farewell to IPL cricket at the end of the ongoing season, Wasim Akram believes CSK already have a replacement for their talismanic batter-keeper.
Pakistan bowling legend Wasim Akram has put forth the name of batter Ajinkya Rahane, who joined the CSK franchise this season and has been in terrific form with the bat.
IPL 2023: CSK coach Stephen Fleming gives update on MS Dhoni’s future as ‘farewell fever’ grips fans
"CSK had tried Ravindra Jadeja as captain in IPL 2022 and saw that his own performances were getting affected. They had to change the captain. I think they won't get a better option than Rahane as he can become consistent and is a local player. We have seen that local players are more successful in franchise cricket," Akram told Sportskeeda.
Rahane was roped in by CSK at his base price of INR 50 lakh at the IPL 2023 auction. Dhoni and Co. have picked up 10 points from 9 matches this season.
"As for foreign players, they don't even remember players' names, so how can they lead. So, I think Rahane is an excellent choice to lead Chennai if Dhoni says he's had enough. CSK might have their own plans, but they are a franchise that plan by putting a lot of thought, epitomized by Stephen Fleming, who knows the team culture inside and out and the players also trust him fully," Akram added.
Akram also wants Dhoni to lift the IPL trophy this season, given that the yellow brigade are placed fourth on the IPL 2023 points table.
He added: "It'll be a dream come true for someone, who has achieved a lot for India as captain," Wasim Akram said. "I want that even God helps a player like Dhoni. I want CSK to win and Dhoni to sign off from the IPL that way. In a ten-team tournament, the first plan is to finish within the top four. When you come into the top four, you aim to come in the top two. Hence, that should be the initial plan for all teams."
