R Ashwin Picks MS Dhoni’s Successor Before IPL 2024: Even in the twilight phase of his illustrious career, MS Dhoni ensured that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continued to exemplify the essence of ‘just captain cool things’ as his side narrowly defeated the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 final.
In a Sunday social media update, CSK officially announced Dhoni’s involvement in their title-defending season. Following his role in guiding CSK to a record-equaling fifth title, the former India skipper is set to lead the Yellow Brigade in the 2024 edition of the cash-rich league.
Leading up to the mini-auction for IPL 2024, CSK has released players such as Ben Stokes, Dwaine Pretorius, K. Bhagath Varma, Subhranshu Senapati, Ambati Rayudu, Kyle Jamieson, Akash Singh, and Sisanda Magala. While England Test skipper Stokes opted to withdraw from IPL 2024 to manage his workload and fitness, superstars Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravindra Jadeja were retained by the Chennai-based franchise for the upcoming season.
R Ashwin Picks MS Dhoni’s Successor Before IPL 2024
In a discussion about CSK’s auction strategy on his YouTube channel, R Ashwin expressed his opinion that CSK will aim to reacquire all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who was recently released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before the retention deadline. R Ashwin also believes that opener Ruturaj Gaikwad will assume the captaincy reins from Dhoni. The legendary cricketer Dhoni returned as CSK captain after Jadeja stepped down from the top position in IPL 2022.
“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,”
Dhoni and the CSK management have opted to release Stokes (INR 16.25 crore) and Ambati Rayudu (INR 6.75 crore) to boost their budget for the upcoming mini-auction. Chennai Super Kings now possess INR 31.4 crore in their auction purse. Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK has secured five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. He added:
“Another thing that they would be thinking about is who is the replacement keeper for MS Dhoni and even about retentions next year. Actually, there were so many rumours 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,”
