5 players who can lead Chennai Super Kings if MS Dhoni doesn't play IPL 2022

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 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.

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

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Former India opening batter Virender Sehwag said Ruturaj Gaikwad 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.