Who after MS Dhoni? Wasim Akram has a suggestion for the next CSK captain

Last update: May 01, 2023, 2:17 PM HST

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni (Image credit: Sportzpics)

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni (Image credit: Sportzpics)

Considering his age, it’s possible that Dhoni will bid farewell to competitive cricket after this IPL.

With speculation buzzing over Mahendra Sing Dhoni’s IPL retirement after the current season, Wasim Akram has predicted the next Chennai Super Kings captain. Speaking on the subject, Akram mentioned Ajinkya Rahane as a rightful heir of Dhoni to assume the leadership responsibility of the Yellow Army.

Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja last season. However, the Indian all-rounder failed to seize the opportunity which also hampered his individual performance.

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Keeping aside the possibility of Jadeja returning to the role, Akram said on Sportskeeda: “I think Chennai won’t have a better option than Rahane as he is a homegrown player and has become consistent. As we have seen, local players do better in franchise tournaments.

Chennai acquired the service of England Test captain Ben Stokes for a staggering price of Rs 16.25 crore in the December mini-auction. While fans are hoping to see Stokes as CSK’s next captain, Akram thinks Rahane will be a better fit for the role.

“Foreign players are not able to lead as they cannot even remember the names of their teammates, so Rahane will make a great captain for Chennai if Dhoni decides he has had enough,” explained the legendary point guard.

The Super Kings have roped Ajinkya Rahane at a comparatively lower price of Rs 50 lakh. The veteran hitter failed to find a place in Chennai’s playing XI in the early games. But when given a chance, Rahane showed his class and produced some game-changing shots, only to cement his place in Chennai’s middle order. Rahane has amassed 224 points this season at an impressive 189.83 strike rate. He garnered 2 half centuries in just 7 appearances.

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After Jadeja failed to bring positive results, the Chennai franchise opted to reintroduce Dhoni as captain at the end of the previous season. Considering his age, it’s possible that Dhoni will bid farewell to competitive cricket after this IPL.

Akram wants Chennai to lift their fifth IPL trophy this season which he says will be the perfect farewell for the legendary captain.

In Chennai’s last game against the Punjab Kings, the Chepauk crowd got to see some glimpses of Dhoni’s finishing masterclass. Stepping on the crease in the second delivery of the final, the Chennai skipper hit two huge sixes during his brief three-ball tenure, helping his side finish 200 points on the board. But Chennai bowling unit could not defend the target as Punjab won the last ball thriller by 4 wickets.

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