Dhoni may promote someone to captain CSK in middle overs during this IPL: Ambati Rayudu

As the cricket fever begins to rise with the impending IPL season, speculations and discussions are in full swing regarding the strategies and dynamics of each team. Among the hot topics, the focus is particularly intense on the fate of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their legendary captain, MS Dhoni.

In a recent revelation, former India and CSK player Ambati Rayudu hinted at a potential transitional phase for the franchise, suggesting that Dhoni might exploit the Impact Player rule to groom a new leader during the middle overs of matches.

Rayudu, who retired from all forms of cricket last year, shared his insights with Star Sports Press Room stating, "With the Impact Player rule, he (Dhoni) can take a back seat and promote someone to captain their side in the middle (overs). So this year might be a transition year for CSK. If it's his last year, if he decides to play for a few more years, I think he would be the captain. I would personally like to see him as a captain."

The Impact Player rule allows for strategic substitutions, presenting Dhoni with an opportunity to pass on the captaincy reins to a potential successor. While acknowledging Dhoni's unparalleled leadership, Rayudu expressed his personal preference to see Dhoni continue as captain.

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Rayudu, set to debut as a commentator in IPL 2024, noted that Dhoni is unlikely to promote himself in the batting order, preferring to give opportunities to younger players.

"With Dhoni bhai you never know, but knowing him and what's happened in the last few seasons, I doubt that he would really promote himself up the order and he would promote a youngster there because (New Zealand's Devon) Conway is injured. I'm sure with his batting he may promote himself one or two up, but not in the top order," Rayudu added.

If MSD is even 10 percent fit, he will definitely play the full season: Rayudu

Furthermore, Rayudu highlighted Dhoni's unwavering commitment to the franchise. He emphasized Dhoni's resilience and said that even during the last season, he was playing with a very bad knee injury.

"I think if he has decided to play this season and if he is even 10 percent fit, he will definitely play the full season and knowing him, injury will not keep him out of the game and he has played through many injuries. Even during the last season, he was playing with a very bad knee injury. So, I don't think anything will stop him from playing full season." Rayudu added that Dhoni keeps faith in players once they find a place in his short-list.

Reflecting on Dhoni's selection approach, Rayudu noted the captain's astute observation of players and their readiness, suggesting that once Dhoni identifies talent, he maintains faith in them throughout the season.

Also Read: MS Dhoni is one pillar that everyone looks up to at CSK: Ambati Rayudu

"He (Dhoni) observes the team, and the players and how they are going about, who is ready, who is not ready, then he fills up his 12-13 players quietly and he keeps them constant for the whole season," said Rayudu.