Who will Lead CSK in IPL 2023? Ravindra Jadeja was handed over the captaincy at the start of IPL 2022. A few defeats changed the narrative completely. Jadeja handed over the captaincy back to MS Dhoni. The drama surrounding the leadership played out in a bizarre fashion.
Dhoni who everyone thought was playing his last IPL season continued to lead the side. A 42-year Dhoni in all certainty will be playing his last IPL in 2023. CSK franchise would want to groom a leader this season in Dhoni’s presence.
We look at Who will Lead CSK in IPL 2023:
#1 Kane Williamson
The former SRH skipper is going through a lean patch currently. Kane Williamson hasn’t had the best of seasons lately. He struggled in IPL 2022 and T20 World Cup 2022. But he isn’t a spent force yet.
Williamson is too good a player not to regain his touch. He is a proven captain who could just be the ideal choice to lead CSK. Williamson is one of the rare captains who admirably maneuvers spin options. At the Chepauk there couldn’t be a better combination than this.
#2 Joe Root
He has never played an IPL game so far. Joe Root is a widely experienced cricketer. He is among a select few overseas batsmen who has had a fantastic record in India. Root is adept at playing spin. He can improvise seamlessly. He is one player who could fit into CSK’s template.
Root is more an anchor than an aggressor. His calming influence in the middle will help him rally his troops better. Root might appear a left-field choice but might prove to be an effective one.
#3 Ruturaj Gaikwad
He had a dream season in IPL 2021 when he won the orange cap scoring in excess of 600 runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad was touted to be the next big thing in world cricket. But the second-season syndrome did catch up with him in IPL 2022.
His form affected CSK too as the side couldn’t progress to the knockouts. Gaikwad though remains an exciting prospect. He currently captains his domestic side. CSK will surely be looking at him as a leader for the future.
#1 Ben Stokes
If there is one name that is doing the maximum rounds around the IPL auction then it is Ben Stokes. The England allrounder put in quite a show in the T20 World Cup 2022. He played a stellar hand in the finals helping England win the second T20 World Cup title.
Stokes is one of the most widely respected cricketers in the world. He could be the ideal fit in a franchise like CSK. Stokes could bat at number 3 and bowl a couple of overs. But it is his leadership that will be the key factor. There couldn’t be a better successor to MS Dhoni than Stokes!
