Chennai Super Kings (<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/csa-omit-faf-du-plessis-imran-tahir-from-congratulatory-post-after-csks-ipl-2021-triumph-delete-it-after-backlash/">CSK</a>) had a night to remember on Friday (October 15) as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 27 runs at the Dubai International Stadium to clinch the fourth Indian Premier League (IPL) title. CSK skipper MS Dhoni had said that his team will return stronger next year after their ouster in the 2020 edition of the IPL. Stronger they did return and played like a champion side throughout this year&#8217;s IPL. Several factors were going CSK’s way, but none biggest than Dhoni’s mastermind tactics and his astute leadership in helping CSK lift the coveted title yet another time.

At the ripe age of 40 too, Dhoni remains the best tactician of the game. During one of the games played at Sharjah, the CSK skipper said to the bowlers to maintain good line and lengths as the odd balls were keeping low. The bowlers followed that advice and reaped rich rewards. It is this trust of his teammates and the sound understanding of the game that makes Dhoni stand out from the rest of the leaders. With mega auctions coming up in 2022, CSK would love to retain their talismanic leader but he isn’t’ getting any younger either. Also, the 40-year-old’s batting prowess has waned over the years.

So it would be interesting to see what the CSK management does. Apart from Dhoni, the team has good backup options like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja, and the team can shortlist among those or look out for other options.

Here are few players whom CSK might consider for captaincy options if MS Dhoni does not play IPL 2022

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-564874" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ruturaj-Gaikwad.jpg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-564874" class="wp-caption-text">Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Former India opening batter Virender Sehwag said <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-final-csk-vs-kkr-stats-review-ruturaj-gaikwad-bags-orange-cap-as-csk-lift-fourth-ipl-title/">Ruturaj Gaikwad</a> has the right qualities to be a successful leader after Dhoni decides to call time on his CSK career. Those who have watched the CSK opener closely know that he likes to be calm in all situations. He also hardly breaks a sweat while batting and is very calculative too. His qualities are quite similar to Dhoni, and that’s why Sehwag might have found Gaikwad as the right candidate to succeed Dhoni.

The Maharashtra opener also got the captaincy of his stateside this year and looked decent at it. There was no pressure of responsibility either as the 24-year-old exuded calmness and a monk-like attitude. Gaikwad has also had a breakthrough season during this year’s IPL as he finished with 635 runs under his belt. With runs and confidence under his belt, the CSK management might consider handing Gaikwad the reins of captaincy.

The only thing that might go against him is experience and age, but CSK are known to throw in surprises, and they might think of handing the opener a chance at captaincy.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-562081" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja-6.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-562081" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: Twitter/IPL)</figcaption>

Talismanic CSK all-rounder <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ravindra-jadeja-suresh-raina-among-mohammed-azharuddins-fab-five-fielders-of-current-era/">Ravindra Jadeja</a> is the other candidate that management might like to consider for the captaincy option. He is been with the team for a long time and is one of the three core players of the CSK team over the past eight years. Jadeja, like Dhoni, is a very easy-going person and allows the players to express themselves.

Right from a young age, the all-rounder has been earmarked as the leader. But he has not quite got to lead the side due to the presence of Dhoni and Suresh Raina. Things could change for the Saurashtra cricketer during next year’s mega auction. It is not certain if Dhoni would play, also Raina had an indifferent season, which could mean the management could retain Jadeja. The 32-year-old also solidified his reputation as an all-rounder of the team. He finished few games and scored 227 runs, and also picked 13 wickets. Jadeja got those runs at an impressive strike rate of 145.51.

In a true sense, the all-rounder had a superb season for CSK in the three departments of the game. Jadeja is also at the peak of his prowess, and getting leadership might help take his game to another level.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510820" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-6.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510820" class="wp-caption-text">David Warner. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Once SRH’s most loved player and the heartbeat of the team, David Warner endured one of the most horrible seasons in this year’s IPL, which eventually led to his ouster from captaincy as well as playing XI. It all started to go haywire when Warner was not happy with the management’s decision to <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/it-was-a-harsh-call-in-my-opinion-david-warner-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-axing-of-manish-pandey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drop Manish Pandey</a> during the India leg of the IPL. Warner made his displeasure felt, which the SRH management didn’t like.

The southpaw was <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-kane-williamson-takes-over-sunrisers-hyderabads-srh-captaincy-for-the-remainder-of-the-season/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sacked</a> from the captaincy and was also <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-brett-lee-express-his-disbelief-after-david-warner-is-dropped-from-srhs-playing-xi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dropped</a> from the playing XI. Even the COVID-19 induced break didn’t help Warner turn the tide as he finished the IPL season with just 195 runs in eight games, at a poor strike rate of 107.73. As if that was not enough, in an <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/thank-you-for-the-support-will-miss-you-all-david-warner-pens-emotional-farewell-message-for-srh-fans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram post</a>, the 34-year-old mentioned shared a few photos and thanked SRH and its fans for having him on the team for eight years.

There is no doubt about the Australian opener’s pedigree as the leader and player in the IPL. He has scored 5449 in 150 matches and has helped SRH win the title in 2016. CSK always believes in the formula of having experienced players in the team and Warner fits in that category perfectly.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-566860" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-1.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-566860" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: Twitter/Indian Premier League)</figcaption>

PBKS skipper KL Rahul yet again had a memorable IPL season as he finished with a humongous 626 runs at a scarcely believable average of 62.60. Rahul’s insane numbers came in just 13 games. His last innings against CSK was proof of how attacking and aggressive he can play if the situation arises. Needing to win by a big margin to have hopes of qualifying for the playoffs, Rahul turned on the beast mode and scored a scintillating <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-kl-rahul-carnage-too-hot-to-handle-as-csk-slip-to-third-defeat-on-the-trot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unbeaten 98 off just 42</a> balls.

With doubts casting over his strike rate and leadership qualities, the PBKS skipper put on an absolute batting master class. His innings were not enough to allow PBKS a back door entry but Rahul yet again was the star performer for his team. After that knock, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/reports-kl-rahul-likely-to-part-ways-with-punjab-kings-ahead-of-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reports</a> were emerging as to how Rahul had stated his desire to not continue with PBKS. CSK can have a backup opener, a wicketkeeper, and a potential leader in Rahul if they want to get him in the team.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-567374" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-567374" class="wp-caption-text">Manish Pandey. (photo source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The form and the promise that he showed with KKR were largely missing from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/virender-sehwag-reckons-manish-pandey-may-no-longer-get-a-chance-in-odis/">Manish Pandey</a> for SRH. The Karnataka skipper was brought for a huge amount, but he failed to live up to those expectations and had a poor run with SRH for close to three years. Pandey showed flashes of brilliance but failed to show the consistency, which the management was expecting from the seasoned IPL player. The SRH batter ended up scoring just 292 runs in eight games at a mediocre strike rate of 123.72 in 2021.

He was dropped from the team for a few matches due to his dismal strike rate but returned to lead the team during SRH’s last league game. Apart from being an elegant middle-order batter, Pandey comes in with a vast amount of leadership experience. He has been captain of Karnataka for over two years and knows a thing or two about getting the best out of the players. Given Pandey’s skills, the management might buy him for the next year’s mega auction.

Chennai Super Kings (<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/csa-omit-faf-du-plessis-imran-tahir-from-congratulatory-post-after-csks-ipl-2021-triumph-delete-it-after-backlash/">CSK</a>) had a night to remember on Friday (October 15) as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 27 runs at the Dubai International Stadium to clinch the fourth Indian Premier League (IPL) title. CSK skipper MS Dhoni had said that his team will return stronger next year after their ouster in the 2020 edition of the IPL. Stronger they did return and played like a champion side throughout this year’s IPL. Several factors were going CSK’s way, but none biggest than Dhoni’s mastermind tactics and his astute leadership in helping CSK lift the coveted title yet another time.
At the ripe age of 40 too, Dhoni remains the best tactician of the game. During one of the games played at Sharjah, the CSK skipper said to the bowlers to maintain good line and lengths as the odd balls were keeping low. The bowlers followed that advice and reaped rich rewards. It is this trust of his teammates and the sound understanding of the game that makes Dhoni stand out from the rest of the leaders. With mega auctions coming up in 2022, CSK would love to retain their talismanic leader but he isn’t’ getting any younger either. Also, the 40-year-old’s batting prowess has waned over the years.
So it would be interesting to see what the CSK management does. Apart from Dhoni, the team has good backup options like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja, and the team can shortlist among those or look out for other options.
<h3>Here are few players whom CSK might consider for captaincy options if MS Dhoni does not play IPL 2022</h3>
<h3>1. Ruturaj Gaikwad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_564874" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-564874" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-564874" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ruturaj-Gaikwad.jpg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-564874" class="wp-caption-text">Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Former India opening batter Virender Sehwag said <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-final-csk-vs-kkr-stats-review-ruturaj-gaikwad-bags-orange-cap-as-csk-lift-fourth-ipl-title/">Ruturaj Gaikwad</a> has the right qualities to be a successful leader after Dhoni decides to call time on his CSK career. Those who have watched the CSK opener closely know that he likes to be calm in all situations. He also hardly breaks a sweat while batting and is very calculative too. His qualities are quite similar to Dhoni, and that’s why Sehwag might have found Gaikwad as the right candidate to succeed Dhoni.
The Maharashtra opener also got the captaincy of his stateside this year and looked decent at it. There was no pressure of responsibility either as the 24-year-old exuded calmness and a monk-like attitude. Gaikwad has also had a breakthrough season during this year’s IPL as he finished with 635 runs under his belt. With runs and confidence under his belt, the CSK management might consider handing Gaikwad the reins of captaincy.
The only thing that might go against him is experience and age, but CSK are known to throw in surprises, and they might think of handing the opener a chance at captaincy.
<h3>2. Ravindra Jadeja</h3>
<figure id="attachment_562081" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-562081" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-562081" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja-6.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-562081" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: Twitter/IPL)</figcaption></figure>
Talismanic CSK all-rounder <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ravindra-jadeja-suresh-raina-among-mohammed-azharuddins-fab-five-fielders-of-current-era/">Ravindra Jadeja</a> is the other candidate that management might like to consider for the captaincy option. He is been with the team for a long time and is one of the three core players of the CSK team over the past eight years. Jadeja, like Dhoni, is a very easy-going person and allows the players to express themselves.
Right from a young age, the all-rounder has been earmarked as the leader. But he has not quite got to lead the side due to the presence of Dhoni and Suresh Raina. Things could change for the Saurashtra cricketer during next year’s mega auction. It is not certain if Dhoni would play, also Raina had an indifferent season, which could mean the management could retain Jadeja. The 32-year-old also solidified his reputation as an all-rounder of the team. He finished few games and scored 227 runs, and also picked 13 wickets. Jadeja got those runs at an impressive strike rate of 145.51.
In a true sense, the all-rounder had a superb season for CSK in the three departments of the game. Jadeja is also at the peak of his prowess, and getting leadership might help take his game to another level.
<h3>3. David Warner</h3>
<figure id="attachment_510820" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-510820" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-510820" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-6.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510820" class="wp-caption-text">David Warner. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Once SRH’s most loved player and the heartbeat of the team, David Warner endured one of the most horrible seasons in this year’s IPL, which eventually led to his ouster from captaincy as well as playing XI. It all started to go haywire when Warner was not happy with the management’s decision to <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/it-was-a-harsh-call-in-my-opinion-david-warner-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-axing-of-manish-pandey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drop Manish Pandey</a> during the India leg of the IPL. Warner made his displeasure felt, which the SRH management didn’t like.
The southpaw was <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-kane-williamson-takes-over-sunrisers-hyderabads-srh-captaincy-for-the-remainder-of-the-season/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sacked</a> from the captaincy and was also <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-brett-lee-express-his-disbelief-after-david-warner-is-dropped-from-srhs-playing-xi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dropped</a> from the playing XI. Even the COVID-19 induced break didn’t help Warner turn the tide as he finished the IPL season with just 195 runs in eight games, at a poor strike rate of 107.73. As if that was not enough, in an <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/thank-you-for-the-support-will-miss-you-all-david-warner-pens-emotional-farewell-message-for-srh-fans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram post</a>, the 34-year-old mentioned shared a few photos and thanked SRH and its fans for having him on the team for eight years.
There is no doubt about the Australian opener’s pedigree as the leader and player in the IPL. He has scored 5449 in 150 matches and has helped SRH win the title in 2016. CSK always believes in the formula of having experienced players in the team and Warner fits in that category perfectly.
<h3>4. KL Rahul</h3>
<figure id="attachment_566860" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-566860" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-566860" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-1.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-566860" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: Twitter/Indian Premier League)</figcaption></figure>
PBKS skipper KL Rahul yet again had a memorable IPL season as he finished with a humongous 626 runs at a scarcely believable average of 62.60. Rahul’s insane numbers came in just 13 games. His last innings against CSK was proof of how attacking and aggressive he can play if the situation arises. Needing to win by a big margin to have hopes of qualifying for the playoffs, Rahul turned on the beast mode and scored a scintillating <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-kl-rahul-carnage-too-hot-to-handle-as-csk-slip-to-third-defeat-on-the-trot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unbeaten 98 off just 42</a> balls.
With doubts casting over his strike rate and leadership qualities, the PBKS skipper put on an absolute batting master class. His innings were not enough to allow PBKS a back door entry but Rahul yet again was the star performer for his team. After that knock, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/reports-kl-rahul-likely-to-part-ways-with-punjab-kings-ahead-of-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reports</a> were emerging as to how Rahul had stated his desire to not continue with PBKS. CSK can have a backup opener, a wicketkeeper, and a potential leader in Rahul if they want to get him in the team.
<h3>5. Manish Pandey</h3>
<figure id="attachment_567374" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-567374" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-567374" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-567374" class="wp-caption-text">Manish Pandey. (photo source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The form and the promise that he showed with KKR were largely missing from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/virender-sehwag-reckons-manish-pandey-may-no-longer-get-a-chance-in-odis/">Manish Pandey</a> for SRH. The Karnataka skipper was brought for a huge amount, but he failed to live up to those expectations and had a poor run with SRH for close to three years. Pandey showed flashes of brilliance but failed to show the consistency, which the management was expecting from the seasoned IPL player. The SRH batter ended up scoring just 292 runs in eight games at a mediocre strike rate of 123.72 in 2021.
He was dropped from the team for a few matches due to his dismal strike rate but returned to lead the team during SRH’s last league game. Apart from being an elegant middle-order batter, Pandey comes in with a vast amount of leadership experience. He has been captain of Karnataka for over two years and knows a thing or two about getting the best out of the players. Given Pandey’s skills, the management might buy him for the next year’s mega auction.

Chennai Super Kings (<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/csa-omit-faf-du-plessis-imran-tahir-from-congratulatory-post-after-csks-ipl-2021-triumph-delete-it-after-backlash/">CSK</a>) had a night to remember on Friday (October 15) as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 27 runs at the Dubai International Stadium to clinch the fourth Indian Premier League (IPL) title. CSK skipper MS Dhoni had said that his team will return stronger next year after their ouster in the 2020 edition of the IPL. Stronger they did return and played like a champion side throughout this year&#8217;s IPL. Several factors were going CSK’s way, but none biggest than Dhoni’s mastermind tactics and his astute leadership in helping CSK lift the coveted title yet another time.
At the ripe age of 40 too, Dhoni remains the best tactician of the game. During one of the games played at Sharjah, the CSK skipper said to the bowlers to maintain good line and lengths as the odd balls were keeping low. The bowlers followed that advice and reaped rich rewards. It is this trust of his teammates and the sound understanding of the game that makes Dhoni stand out from the rest of the leaders. With mega auctions coming up in 2022, CSK would love to retain their talismanic leader but he isn’t’ getting any younger either. Also, the 40-year-old’s batting prowess has waned over the years.
So it would be interesting to see what the CSK management does. Apart from Dhoni, the team has good backup options like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja, and the team can shortlist among those or look out for other options.
<h3>Here are few players whom CSK might consider for captaincy options if MS Dhoni does not play IPL 2022</h3>
<h3>1. Ruturaj Gaikwad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_564874" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-564874" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-564874" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ruturaj-Gaikwad.jpg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-564874" class="wp-caption-text">Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Former India opening batter Virender Sehwag said <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-final-csk-vs-kkr-stats-review-ruturaj-gaikwad-bags-orange-cap-as-csk-lift-fourth-ipl-title/">Ruturaj Gaikwad</a> has the right qualities to be a successful leader after Dhoni decides to call time on his CSK career. Those who have watched the CSK opener closely know that he likes to be calm in all situations. He also hardly breaks a sweat while batting and is very calculative too. His qualities are quite similar to Dhoni, and that’s why Sehwag might have found Gaikwad as the right candidate to succeed Dhoni.
The Maharashtra opener also got the captaincy of his stateside this year and looked decent at it. There was no pressure of responsibility either as the 24-year-old exuded calmness and a monk-like attitude. Gaikwad has also had a breakthrough season during this year’s IPL as he finished with 635 runs under his belt. With runs and confidence under his belt, the CSK management might consider handing Gaikwad the reins of captaincy.
The only thing that might go against him is experience and age, but CSK are known to throw in surprises, and they might think of handing the opener a chance at captaincy.
<h3>2. Ravindra Jadeja</h3>
<figure id="attachment_562081" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-562081" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-562081" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja-6.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-562081" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: Twitter/IPL)</figcaption></figure>
Talismanic CSK all-rounder <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ravindra-jadeja-suresh-raina-among-mohammed-azharuddins-fab-five-fielders-of-current-era/">Ravindra Jadeja</a> is the other candidate that management might like to consider for the captaincy option. He is been with the team for a long time and is one of the three core players of the CSK team over the past eight years. Jadeja, like Dhoni, is a very easy-going person and allows the players to express themselves.
Right from a young age, the all-rounder has been earmarked as the leader. But he has not quite got to lead the side due to the presence of Dhoni and Suresh Raina. Things could change for the Saurashtra cricketer during next year’s mega auction. It is not certain if Dhoni would play, also Raina had an indifferent season, which could mean the management could retain Jadeja. The 32-year-old also solidified his reputation as an all-rounder of the team. He finished few games and scored 227 runs, and also picked 13 wickets. Jadeja got those runs at an impressive strike rate of 145.51.
In a true sense, the all-rounder had a superb season for CSK in the three departments of the game. Jadeja is also at the peak of his prowess, and getting leadership might help take his game to another level.
<h3>3. David Warner</h3>
<figure id="attachment_510820" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-510820" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510820" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-6.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510820" class="wp-caption-text">David Warner. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Once SRH’s most loved player and the heartbeat of the team, David Warner endured one of the most horrible seasons in this year’s IPL, which eventually led to his ouster from captaincy as well as playing XI. It all started to go haywire when Warner was not happy with the management’s decision to <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/it-was-a-harsh-call-in-my-opinion-david-warner-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-axing-of-manish-pandey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drop Manish Pandey</a> during the India leg of the IPL. Warner made his displeasure felt, which the SRH management didn’t like.
The southpaw was <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-kane-williamson-takes-over-sunrisers-hyderabads-srh-captaincy-for-the-remainder-of-the-season/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sacked</a> from the captaincy and was also <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-brett-lee-express-his-disbelief-after-david-warner-is-dropped-from-srhs-playing-xi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dropped</a> from the playing XI. Even the COVID-19 induced break didn’t help Warner turn the tide as he finished the IPL season with just 195 runs in eight games, at a poor strike rate of 107.73. As if that was not enough, in an <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/thank-you-for-the-support-will-miss-you-all-david-warner-pens-emotional-farewell-message-for-srh-fans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram post</a>, the 34-year-old mentioned shared a few photos and thanked SRH and its fans for having him on the team for eight years.
There is no doubt about the Australian opener’s pedigree as the leader and player in the IPL. He has scored 5449 in 150 matches and has helped SRH win the title in 2016. CSK always believes in the formula of having experienced players in the team and Warner fits in that category perfectly.
<h3>4. KL Rahul</h3>
<figure id="attachment_566860" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-566860" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-566860" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-1.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-566860" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: Twitter/Indian Premier League)</figcaption></figure>
PBKS skipper KL Rahul yet again had a memorable IPL season as he finished with a humongous 626 runs at a scarcely believable average of 62.60. Rahul’s insane numbers came in just 13 games. His last innings against CSK was proof of how attacking and aggressive he can play if the situation arises. Needing to win by a big margin to have hopes of qualifying for the playoffs, Rahul turned on the beast mode and scored a scintillating <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-kl-rahul-carnage-too-hot-to-handle-as-csk-slip-to-third-defeat-on-the-trot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unbeaten 98 off just 42</a> balls.
With doubts casting over his strike rate and leadership qualities, the PBKS skipper put on an absolute batting master class. His innings were not enough to allow PBKS a back door entry but Rahul yet again was the star performer for his team. After that knock, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/reports-kl-rahul-likely-to-part-ways-with-punjab-kings-ahead-of-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reports</a> were emerging as to how Rahul had stated his desire to not continue with PBKS. CSK can have a backup opener, a wicketkeeper, and a potential leader in Rahul if they want to get him in the team.
<h3>5. Manish Pandey</h3>
<figure id="attachment_567374" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-567374" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-567374" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Manish-Pandey.jpg" alt="Manish Pandey" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-567374" class="wp-caption-text">Manish Pandey. (photo source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The form and the promise that he showed with KKR were largely missing from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/virender-sehwag-reckons-manish-pandey-may-no-longer-get-a-chance-in-odis/">Manish Pandey</a> for SRH. The Karnataka skipper was brought for a huge amount, but he failed to live up to those expectations and had a poor run with SRH for close to three years. Pandey showed flashes of brilliance but failed to show the consistency, which the management was expecting from the seasoned IPL player. The SRH batter ended up scoring just 292 runs in eight games at a mediocre strike rate of 123.72 in 2021.
He was dropped from the team for a few matches due to his dismal strike rate but returned to lead the team during SRH’s last league game. Apart from being an elegant middle-order batter, Pandey comes in with a vast amount of leadership experience. He has been captain of Karnataka for over two years and knows a thing or two about getting the best out of the players. Given Pandey’s skills, the management might buy him for the next year’s mega auction.

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