IPL: Three captaincy options for CSK after MS Dhoni retires

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is certainly one of the most decorated teams in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They are also the most successful teams and have won the IPL title thrice. The Chennai-based franchise have made it to the playoffs of every season they’ve played. In fact, there were only two seasons where they didn’t make it to the final (2009 and 2014).

Also, they’ve played every season under just one captain – MS Dhoni. The former Indian skipper has missed a few matches here and there but he has largely been in charge of CSK. He has an excellent record as captain in the IPL. The Ranchi wicket-keeper has captained in 159 IPL games and has a win percentage of almost 60%. He is six short of becoming the first ever IPL captain to win 100 games.

However, Dhoni is in the final stages of his career and the 2019 World Cup is tipped to be his final hurray in international cricket. It is uncertain for how long he will continue playing. Hence, as we build towards the 2019 edition of the IPL, it’s a good time to look at some captaincy options for CSK.

Here are three captaincy options for CSK after MS Dhoni retires

1. Suresh Raina

After MS Dhoni, if there is someone who defines the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, then it has to be Suresh Raina. The left-handed batsman has often been termed as Mr IPL as he has consistently performed every season. In fact, he is the highest run-getter in the IPL at the moment.

Raina is the vice-captain of the Men in Yellow and is most likely to don the skipper’s hat once Dhoni hangs up his boots. The 32-year-old who has played for CSK for nine seasons (two seasons for Gujarat Lions) has captained in 32 matches in the IPL. Bulk of these games came when CSK were serving their ban and Raina turned out to play for GL. However, he has led CSK in a few games as well when Dhoni was injured.

The southpaw has led India as well on occasions while also being at the helm for Uttar Pradesh in the domestic circuit. Hence, Raina seems an ideal candidate to replace Dhoni once the latter retires.