In a recent revelation, former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta has suggested that Rishabh Pant could be the ideal successor to MS Dhoni at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With Dhoni set to bid farewell to the IPL after the 2024 season, the hunt for a new captain is on, and Pant seems to be a prime candidate.
Dasgupta emphasized the close bond between Dhoni and Pant, noting that the young wicketkeeper-batsman shares a similar mindset with the former India captain. “Rishabh adores MS, and MS also likes him very much. They spend a lot of time together. Their connection and Rishabh’s thinking are very similar, considering he is very attacking and positive. He’s always talking about winning and whatnot,” Dasgupta mentioned in a recent interview.
CSK’s quest for a leader became apparent after their initial experiment with Ravindra Jadeja as captain faltered in the 2022 season. Dhoni reclaimed the captaincy and led the team to a triumphant title win in 2023. Now, with the legendary captain set to step down, the franchise is exploring options for a new leader.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, a consistent performer for CSK, is another name in the mix for captaincy. Gaikwad’s impressive track record, coupled with his recent leadership achievements, including leading India to a gold medal at the Asian Games 2023, makes him a strong contender. Moreover, he has been appointed the vice-captain of India’s T20I side for the ongoing series against Australia.
As the CSK management evaluates potential leaders, the idea of Pant taking over the reins in the future adds an intriguing dimension. Pant’s aggressive and positive playing style aligns with Dhoni’s approach, making him a natural fit for the leadership role.
The anticipation is high among cricket enthusiasts as they await CSK’s decision on their next captain. Whether it’s Pant, Gaikwad, or another candidate, the post-Dhoni era promises to bring a new chapter to the storied franchise’s leadership. Only time will reveal who will carry the baton forward for the Yellow Army in the seasons to come.