IPL 2022: Suresh Raina reveals CSK’s captaincy contenders after MS Dhoni

Former Chennai Super Kings batter Suresh Raina has picked four players who could be the front runners to take captaincy bridle from MS Dhoni in the upcoming seasons.

Dhoni has been leading Chennai Super Kings since the inception of the Indian Premier League back in 2008.

Dhoni is now 40 years old and one feels it is the right time for CSK to look for a new leader. Raina, who played for CSK for 12 seasons in the IPL, named Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, Ravindra Jadeja, and Dwayne Bravo as the potential leaders for the franchise once MS Dhoni calls it quits.

All of these four players have all the experience under their belt in the IPL and could lead CSK in the upcoming seasons.

In a Star Sports webinar, he said: “Rayudu is there then you have Robin Uthappa then DJ Bravo is there. Jadeja, I think, has a good cricketing brain and has been performing well recently.”

On the other hand, Suresh Raina feels starting well will be important in the IPL. It is imperative for every team to get the early momentum on their side and CSK will also look to do the same in order to defend their title.

“When CSK plays, they know how to qualify in playoffs. So starting well is very important. In Pune, you never know, when there will be dew when not because of the open environment in the stadium. The dew factor is always prominent at Wankhade as well. Then bowlers also start practicing with the wet ball, doubting what will happen if their team loses the toss and they have to bowl second against the likes of Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni. It’s a part of the game and you’ll have to practice because toss can’t be controlled and you can only focus on using the 40 overs well.”

Meanwhile, Suresh Raina went unsold in IPL 2022 mega auction after he had set his base price at INR 2 crores. Raina will be seen in a new avatar as he will don a commentator’s hat in the upcoming season of the IPL.

Chennai Super Kings will begin their title defense against the previous season’s runners-up Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on March 26.