Ex-CSK Star Hints At MS Dhoni's Potential Captaincy Sharing Tactic Ahead Of IPL 2024

Ambati Rayudu believes that if MS Dhoni is entering his final IPL season, he might opt to share the captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings with another player.

Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter, Ambati Rayudu, suggested on March 15 (Friday) that MS Dhoni might utilise the Impact Player rule to delegate captaincy responsibilities in the middle overs during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season 2024, aiming to nurture a new leader for the five-time champions. 

In IPL 2022, CSK entrusted the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, but the left-arm spinner relinquished the role midway through the tournament due to a string of losses, returning the leadership position to Dhoni. Since then, Dhoni has continued to lead CSK and guided them to their record-equalling fifth IPL title in 2023. However, at 42 years old, Dhoni's age is catching up, prompting CSK to consider grooming a successor sooner rather than later.

He Can Take A Back Seat And Promote Someone To Captain CSK: Ambati Rayudu

Speculations are rife that the 2024 edition of the IPL might mark Dhoni's final season before he retires. During an appearance on the Star Sports Press Room, Rayudu suggested that given the Impact Player Rule's prominence, Dhoni could potentially step back and empower someone else to captain the team during the middle overs.

“With the impact player rule, he can take a back seat and promote someone to captain their side in the middle. 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 him to see as a captain,” Rayudu told Star Sports Press Room as quoted by PTI.

Dhoni May Not Promote Himself Up The Order

Ambati Rayudu also expressed his doubts about MS Dhoni promoting himself up the batting order, suggesting he's more inclined to provide opportunities to younger players, especially in light of Devon Conway's injury.

"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," he added.