IPL 2023: Chris Gayle delivers epic one-liner judgment over MS Dhoni-Ben Stokes captaincy debate

Chennai Super Kings signing Ben Stokes for the upcoming IPL 2023 proved to be one of their finest purchases at the auctions. They filled in the void that Dwayne Bravo had left when he announced his retirement from the tournament. The team wanted a proper all-rounder who could do equally well with both bat and the ball, and Stokes’ inclusion just did that.

The all-rounder was sold for a staggering INR 16.25 crore, which ranks joint third most in IPL auction history. However, the significant acquisition had analysts and fans wondering whether MS Dhoni would resign as CSK captain to make way for Stokes. And Caribbean star Chris Gayle, a legend of the game, while speaking on the topic, delivered his judgment in just one line.

“Dhoni. Once you are playing, you lead a team, okay? Done,” Gayle said while speaking on JioCinema after the auction.

I think Stokes will sit back and respect MSD and let him do his thing: Gayle

Stokes has never served any team's permanent captain in the IPL. But with his recent success leading the England red-ball team and his proficiency in the T20 format, many are wondering if Stokes' addition will cause Dhoni to relinquish his captaincy responsibilities to the English player. When Ravindra Jadeja was assigned the position at the beginning of IPL 2022, he already had experience doing it.

However, it did not provide positive outcomes, which led to Dhoni resuming his position as captain. Although Stokes lacks Jadeja's captaincy experience, he has guided England to nine Test victories out of 10 games in 2022 while also revolutionizing the format with their "BazBall" strategy. Gayle also lauded CSK for signing Stokes, saying that having both Stokes and Dhoni on board will be extremely advantageous for the team.

“They are two fantastic minds in the dressing room, MSD and Ben Stokes. But I think Stokes will sit back and respect MSD and let him do his thing. The young players will also get to learn a lot from Stokes. It’s good to have him and he still has the likes of DJ Bravo in the CSK ranks. Fitting in the culture is important and I am sure without any doubt, with his experience, he will fit in amazingly with the Super Kings. As we all knock, they lack all-rounders and will accept Stokes with both hands,” Gayle added.