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MS Dhoni Suresh Raina
The future of MS Dhoni as a Chennai Super Kings player has been a topic of intense speculation since his retirement from international cricket in August 2020. Many believe that IPL 2023 could be the last time he will be playing in the tournament. However, Suresh Raina, former India cricketer and a four-time IPL winner with Chennai, revealed that Dhoni intends to play for another year after winning the trophy.
"Woh toh bol rahe hain mein trophy jeet ke ek saal aur khelunga (He was saying that after winning the IPL trophy, I will play one more year). But he's looking good and is batting really well. Plus, there's a good team combination now and as many can see, there's always a Dhoni ki paathshaala (the Dhoni masterclass) after the end of the post-game presentation ceremony," said Raina.
Raina suggests Dhoni's successor in CSK
When asked about who could be Dhoni's successor once he decides to hang up his boots, Raina picked opener Ruturaj Gaikwad as the future Chennai skipper. Gaikwad has been looking solid, averaging 42.67 in ten innings in IPL 2023 and forming a solid opening pair with Devon Conway.
"He's been looking pumped up and working really hard. His bat speed has improved a lot and if one remembers the way he has hit sixes in the last game, he just eased into it. Every time he has looked to time the ball, he is in a different zone altogether. His fielding has improved a lot, plus he thinks like a proper batter, and captain. I would say he's a future CSK captain as he's taking a lot of responsibility and I won't be surprised if he's captaining CSK after two-three years," said Raina.
Another factor that has propelled Chennai to amass big totals in IPL 2023 has been Shivam Dube thriving in his role of the designated six-hitter, especially against the spinners. He has smashed 24 sixes in the tournament till now, and is just behind Faf du Plessis in that aspect.
"He's improved as a batter and is taking a lot of responsibility by giving CSK 30-40 extra runs. He's all pumped up, works really hard on his game, and has the backing of management to him and Ajinkya Rahane," said Raina.
"Both play for Mumbai and are gelling and batting really well. But Shivam Dube is full of self-belief and is in the game awareness zone. He's hitting sixes mostly on the front side. He's been hitting sixes straight and is connecting well, something which has really impressed me," concluded Raina.