If Dhoni grooms Ruturaj Gaikwad, then he can lead CSK for 7-8 years: Ambati Rayudu

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu believes that the flamboyant batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has the potential to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after legendary skipper MS Dhoni. Notably, MS Dhoni-led CSK clinched their record-equalling fifth title in the IPL 2023, following a thrilling win against Gujarat Titans in the summit clash.

While there are a lot of speculations surrounding the captaincy and who would go on to lead the setup after Dhoni’s retirement, former cricketer Rayudu provided his stance on the matter. Rayudu stated that Gaikwad has the potential to lead the side on a long-term basis assuming Dhoni takes him under his wing and grooms him by the close of the next edition of the IPL.  

“Coming to the future, I think Ruturaj (Gaikwad) has a great chance. He has those leadership qualities in him. So, if Mahi (MS Dhoni) bhai grooms him say a year or so, then he can lead the team for 7-8 or even 10 years. He is in good hands with Mahi bhai and (Stephen) Fleming. He is calm, down-to-earth and extremely talented," said Rayudu while speaking to the BehindWoods TV.

At 42, Dhoni is running the final lap of his career in the lucrative T20 league and is yet to officially confirm his retirement. Meanwhile, Gaikwad has flourished into becoming one of the most pivotal players in the setup and has proven his lethal hitting exploits on numerous occasions in the recently concluded IPL campaign.

Gaikwad should be playing every format for India: Rayudu 

Rayudu further added that the flamboyant opener should be playing across all the formats of the national team. However, he highlighted that the think tank of the national team has not quite made the best use of Gaikwad. It is worth noting that Gaikwad will lead team India in the forthcoming Asian Games, which is slated to be played in China, from September 23 to October 8.

“India makes the best use of him (Gaikwad). I don’t think they are at the moment. He should be playing every format for India," Rayudu concluded.