Who should lead the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after MS Dhoni decides to walk away? What does CSK's future look like after Dhoni era? Will CSK find a skipper in the auction or do they already have someone in their squad who can succeed Dhoni? Well, these are some of the questions that have kept fans on their feet in the last couple of years. MS Dhoni - the poster boy of the Chennai-based franchise - in all likelihood will play one more edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and that so, if his body allows him to. The good news is, Dhoni himself said that he will try everything in his power to return for one more year. But what after Dhoni?
Former CSK and India batter, Ambati Rayudu reckons that the franchise already has a leader in their ranks who can very well take over the keys from Dhoni and drive the ship for even a decade. Rayudu sees 'leadership qualities' in Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is 'extremely talented' and will only grow in the role under Dhoni's tutelage.
"Coming to the future, I think Ruturaj has a great chance. He has those leadership qualities in him. So if Mahi bhai grooms him say a year or so, then he can lead the team for 7-8 or even 10 years. He is in good hands with Mahi bhai and Fleming. He is calm, down-to-earth and extremely talented," said Rayudu told BehindWoods TV, as quoted by NDTV.
"India makes the best use of him (Gaikwad). I don't think they are at the moment. He should be playing every format for India," he added.
Gaikwad will lead the Indian cricket team during the 2023 Asian Games. It would be Gaikwad's first chance to showcase his man-management skills and elicit the shrewd strategist in him. If Gaikwad flourishes in the captaincy role in the Asian Games, the 24-year-old will definitely make a solid case to take the reigns at CSK.
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