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Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu on March 15 made a strange prediction on how MS Dhoni can use the 'Impact Player' rule to groom the next captain of the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions.
While it is not clear whether Dhoni will return for IPL 2025, CSK don't have a candidate in the current squad to lead them after the legend hands his boots. CSK gave the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja in 2022 but it did not work out. As a result, Dhoni was given the captaincy again.
"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," Rayudu, who retired from all forms of cricket last year, told Star Sports Press Room.
After the last season, there were speculations that Dhoni would retire but he returned for another season. Ahead of the IPL 2024, Dhoni teased CSK fans by posting on social media that he will take up a ‘new role’.
Rayudu who will be commentating in IPL 2024 said that a promotion in the batting order for Dhoni is not on the cards as he would rather give the opportunity to a youngster.
"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," opined Rayudu.
Rayudu trusts Dhoni to play despite injury
After IPL 2023, Dhoni had a knee surgery. He completed his rehabilitation and is currently training at the CSK camp.
"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."
How Dhoni shows faith in his players
Rayudu gave an insight into how Dhoni picks his players and keeps faith in them despite a few hiccups.
"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 the 38-year-old.
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