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Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull believes that Rishabh Pant could be the ideal successor to MS Dhoni as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings. With the deadline for player retentions approaching on October 31st, Doull has shared his predictions for CSK's retention strategy.
He suggests that Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni should be CSK's top three retention picks. While Dhoni's future role with the team remains uncertain, Pant's inclusion as a potential captaincy candidate could signal a generational shift for the franchise.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad then top of the tree Ravindra Jadeja absolutely there, Matheesha Pathirana I think absolutely. I see MS come out and say that I will let you know the day before the retentions are allowed. He’s keeping them on a little bit of a string at the moment as to whether he is gonna be there. Obviously, if he’s available and ready to go, he’s another one they have to keep a hold of. He’s the franchise man,” said Doull on Sports18.
Rishabh Pant to take further MS Dhoni legacy in CSK?
Doull also expressed his admiration for Rachin Ravindra and suggested that he could be a valuable asset for CSK. However, he emphasized that the team would be willing to spend big on Rishabh Pant, considering him the ideal candidate to lead the team post-Dhoni era.
“After what I’ve seen in this series I think Rachin Ravindra. And as I said the other day, I think they’re just going to go heavily for Rishabh Pant if he goes into auction. He’s their man to take them through post MS Dhoni wherever that maybe,” he added.
Rishabh Pant's recent social media post, where he asked fans to predict his auction price, has sparked speculation about his future with the Delhi Capitals. Given his status as one of India's premier wicket-keeper batters, Pant is likely to attract significant interest from all ten IPL franchises if he enters the auction pool.
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Meanwhile, Dhoni has officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming IPL season, much to the relief of Chennai Super Kings. The franchise has wasted no time in confirming the news, ensuring that their legendary captain will continue to lead the team. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told Cricbuzz that the franchise is happy the decision and the couldn't have asked for anything else
"When he is ready, what else (do) we want. We are happy," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told Cricbuzz on October 26.
Viswanathan's statement follows Dhoni's declaration that he is eager to continue playing cricket for the next few years.
"I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play. When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That's what I want to do. It's not easy," Dhoni was quoted as saying to TOI earlier in the day.
