Chennai Super Kings served up the biggest surprise of IPL 2021. They went on to win 5 games on the trot. Their batting unit performed like a dream. CSK’s spinners were potent, their fielding was top notch. But above all, there was one single factor that revived CSK and that was MS Dhoni’s captaincy. CSK look set for a fourth title under Dhoni this year. But this might also be the year where Dhoni hangs up his boots for CSK. The yellow brigade may have to find a new leader amongst its current players come the next season.
StumpsandBails looks at 3 current CSK players who might replace Dhoni as captain post his retirement:
#3 Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is the quintessential 3-D player. He can bat brilliantly, bowl with discipline, and field ferociously. Jadeja is pure value for everything that he does on the cricket field. He has been with the franchise since 2012. He is someone who knows the team and it’s functioning inside out. Jadeja lacks captaincy experience but he can more than make it up for it with the skill and attitude he possesses.
He will be keen to throw his hat in the ring as that will help him stake a claim for India captaincy too. Jadeja’s desire to be in the game throughout provides him a fine advantage. He will certainly make for an interesting captain.
#2 Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis much like Jadeja has been an integral part of the CSK setup since 2012. He is one of the most respected members of the side. Faf is a senior player who is quite attached to CSK. He comes with handy captaincy experience.
Faf is a distinguished leader who leads from the front. He is supremely fit and comfortably has 2-3 years on his side to stake a claim for captaincy. CSK will bank someone like Faf as he knows CSK’s core values and the mindset that the franchise holds close to it. He might prove to be a worthy successor to MS Dhoni.
#1 Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali is CSK’s most recent and probably most valued acquisition. Ali has helped CSK adopt a completely different mindset. His presence at number 3 has liberated the entire batting lineup. Ali is explosive yet understated. He is a handy off-spinner too. Ali’s temperament makes him one of the favourites for this role.
He is more on the lines of Dhoni’s school of thought and that shall give him a solid advantage. Ali much like Dhoni may be an intuitive captaincy call. And probably this is how Dhoni’s legacy will need to be carried forward.
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