Indian Premier League's (IPL) very own EL Clasico between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) is just few hours away from unfolding at the historic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday (April 8).
In IPL 2023's battle of title holders, five-time champions' MI will be up against four-time winners CSK. However both the teams despite boasting of glittery history in the glitzy league, had a terrible campaign in the last edition of the IPL when they finished as the bottom two sides.
CSK appointed Ravindra Jadeja as their captain in the IPL 2022 but things didn't go their which saw the star all-rounder stepping down from the post and yet again the legendary MSD took over the post he is best known for.
The speculations are rife that IPL 2023 could be Dhoni's last dance, however, there hasn't been any clarity on the same. But CSK must have started pondering about Dhoni's successor as the 41-year-old talismanic wicketkeeper-batter can draw curtains on his IPL career anytime soon.
Another speculation which has been running over everyone's head is that Ben Stokes could be given an onus to lead CSK after Dhoni's departure. In the recent times, many have been seen getting embroiled in Dhoni versus Stokes debate. But CSK's star all-rounder Moeen Ali has finally settled the debate once and for all with a smashing response.
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Moeen said that Stokes' stunning portfolio makes him the strongest candidate to replace Dhoni. However he also dropped a hint that the transition might not happen anytime soon.
"Stokes is really enjoying himself," Moeen said ahead of heavyweights battle between CSK and MI at the Wankhede stadium.
"CSK is the type of franchise where you come here and you do tend to enjoy yourself and really love playing for this franchise. He's settled in really well. He's a big part of the team with his experience," he added.
Giving clarity on Stokes' leadership plans, Moeen said, "There's no real such leadership group: you have the captain and the coaches, and they talk. If Dhoni wants Ben Stokes' advice, or a chat with him, it's a very open environment in that changing room."
Moeen also brought another captaincy contender into the picture while ushering towards Ruturaj Gaikwad.
"I think there's a chance [that Stokes succeeds Dhoni]; of course there's a chance, because he's obviously done really well in Test cricket. But MS is still obviously in charge and he's going to be captain for a while. We have some other guys as well: Ruturaj is a fantastic player with a good head on his shoulders, so it depends on what the franchise wants," he concluded.
Notably, CSK roped in the services of Stokes for a whopping Rs 16.25 crore in the mini auction for the IPL 2023.
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