'Can definitely be an option' - Nikhil Chopra explains why Ravindra Jadeja can be MS Dhoni's successor at CSK

MS Dhoni will be back to lead the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL 2022 that gets underway on March 26. He was one of the franchise’s mandatory retention and took a massive salary cut as he was roped in for a sum of INR 12 crore. Lately, former India spinner Nikhil Chopra has opined on the legendary skipper’s successor and has also suggested a name for the same.

According to Chopra, star India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could be Dhoni’s perfect successor whenever he calls it a day from IPL as a player. Jadeja was also retained by the defending champions for a staggering INR 16 crore and is their highest-paid signing for this season. Dhoni might have made himself available for this year, however, with him turning 41 in July, it remains to be seen for how long he will be able to push himself as a player.

Ravindra Jadeja could be the next captain: Nikhil Chopra

“Jadeja can definitely be an option as CSK’s next skipper. The way he is performing and the way his form has been across formats and the role that he has been given in T20s to bowl four overs and bat down the order, his career has progressed really well,” said Nikhil Chopra while speaking on YouTube podcast ‘Khelneeti’.

“That is perhaps the reason why they paid a huge sum for him, and if Dhoni doesn’t play next year Jadeja could be the next captain,” he added.

Jadeja had an excellent 2021 season where he starred both with the bat and ball for the Yellow Army. He amassed 227 runs from 16 matches at an average of 75.66 and a strike rate of 145.51, including a half-century with his highest individual score being an unbeaten 62. The southpaw also registered 13 scalps to his name at an average of 26.61 and an economy rate of 7.06. Apart from these, he also showcased some brilliant fielding performances.

CSK will be eyeing a record-equaling fifth title this time around. They will kick off their IPL 2022 campaign against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on March 26.