The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been synonymous with leadership excellence under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. As speculations arise about the future captain, former CSK cricketer Ambati Rayudu has expressed his views, introducing an element of uncertainty to the captaincy conundrum.
In a recent episode of The Ranveer Show on a YouTube podcast, Ambati Rayudu shared his perspective on who might lead CSK after the iconic MS Dhoni. Rayudu suggested that Ruturaj Gaikwad could be the ideal candidate but added a cautious “let’s see” to his statement.
MS Dhoni, the captaincy maestro, handed over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja before the IPL 2022 season. The move surprised many, signalling a transition phase for CSK. Jadeja led the CSK team for eight games in the 2022 edition, managing only two victories. The string of losses prompted a mid-season change, with Dhoni returning to steer the team.
Dhoni’s return as captain was nothing short of spectacular. He guided CSK to a record-equalling fifth IPL title in the 2023 season, showcasing his leadership prowess.
Rayudu, who played a pivotal role in CSK’s successes from 2018 to 2023, voiced his opinion on the potential successor to Dhoni. He pointed towards Ruturaj Gaikwad as the ideal candidate. Despite suggesting Gaikwad’s suitability, Rayudu injected a note of uncertainty by saying, “But let’s see.” This indicates the unpredictable nature of cricketing dynamics.
“I think, ideally, it should be Rutu. But let’s see,” Rayudu said.
Ambati Rayudu’s contribution to CSK’s victories, including the IPL titles in 2018, 2021, and 2023, was significant. Following the team’s fifth title win, Rayudu bid adieu to all forms of cricket in India. Ruturaj Gaikwad, a young and promising talent, possesses noteworthy leadership credentials. He has previously led a second-string Indian team to a gold medal in the Asian Games, demonstrating his capabilities as a leader.
Gaikwad made his IPL debut with CSK in 2020 and emerged as the leading run-scorer in the 2021 season, amassing 635 runs in 16 matches. His consistency at the top order played a crucial role in CSK’s success.
In the 2021 season, Gaikwad played a pivotal role in CSK’s title victory. His batting prowess and ability to anchor the innings were instrumental in CSK’s triumph. Recognizing Gaikwad’s potential, CSK retained him for the IPL 2022 season, emphasizing his integral role in the team’s plans.
Apart from IPL success, Gaikwad serves as the vice-captain of the Indian team in the ongoing T20I series against Australia, showcasing his growing stature in international cricket.
