Former New Zealand national cricket team player Simon Doull has come up with a massive statement related to MS Dhoni’s successor at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He believes Rishabh Pant should take over and the franchise should go for him in the auction.
Simon Doull went on to pick the possible retentions for the Chennai Super Kings. The former New Zealand national cricket team cricketer picked Ruturaj Gaikwad as the team’s top retainer along with Ravindra Jadeja and Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, then on top of the tree Ravindra Jadeja absolutely there, Matheesha Pathirana, I think absolutely – Simon Doull on CSK retention
While talking about MS Dhoni, Simon Doull felt that the wicketkeeper-batsman would be there for one more season. He said the former captain of the team is the franchise man and the team should keep him in check. Speaking to Jio Cinema, he explained:
“Ruturaj Gaikwad, then on top of the tree Ravindra Jadeja absolutely there, Matheesha Pathirana, I think absolutely. I see MS come out and say I will let you know the day before holds are allowed.
“He’s keeping them on a bit of a leash right now about whether he’ll be there. Obviously, if he’s available and ready to play, he’s another one they have to keep. He’s the franchise guy.”
MS Dhoni has confirmed that he will play in IPL 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad was named last year’s captain after MS Dhoni resigned from the leadership. He had a decent campaign as captain but has been the team’s best batsman in the Indian Premier League.
On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja has been the team’s MVP for a long time and Matheesha Pathirana has been the team’s best pacer. He is a product of Chennai Super Kings and they surely wouldn’t want to let him go.
There have been reports that MS Dhoni has confirmed that he will play IPL 2025 and will be retained as an uncapped player. Along with him, Ravindra Jadeja is expected to be the first retainer followed by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Matheesha Pathirana.
He is their man to take them through post-MS Dhoni wherever possible – Simon Doull to Rishabh Pant
There have been reports claiming that Rishabh Pant is likely to enter the auction. Reports claim that Delhi Capitals want to retain Pant but are not willing to hand over the leadership role to him.
Simon Doull feels that if Rishabh Pant enters the auction, Chennai Super Kings should go for him. He believes the young player is the man who will take the team forward. He added:
“After what I have seen in this series, I think Rachin Ravindra. And like I said the other day, I think they are going to bet big on Rishabh Pant if he comes up for auction. He is their man to take them through the post. MS Dhoni wherever you are,” he concluded.