Wasim Akram picks veteran Indian batter as CSK captain if MS Dhoni retires after this season

Wasim Akram & MS Dhoni (Source: Twitter)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) enjoyed a tremendous ride in the Indian Premier League (IPL) under the leadership of MS Dhoni, winning four titles. The wicket-keeper batter was reinstated as CSK's captain last year, and he appears to be guiding the side to another title as the Yellow Brigade has had a strong start to the IPL 2023 season. While there is no confirmation that this will be Dhoni's last dance in the world's richest T20 league, there are rumours, and the legend himself has been dropping hints at retirement after each of their games this season.

If the 41-year-old decides to hang up his boots after this season, finding a suitable replacement for the legendary captain will be a major headache for the Chennai-based franchise. They had given the task to star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja last year, but he was unable to win the games, which hampered his performance, and he eventually had to hand over the baton to Dhoni in the mid-season.

"Local players are more successful in franchise cricket": Wasim Akram

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram picked Dhoni's ideal successor in CSK. If the 2011 World Cup-winning captain bids farewell to the IPL after this season, Akram believes veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane can take over the reins from him.

"CSK had tried Ravindra Jadeja as captain in IPL 2022 and saw that his own performances were getting affected. They had to change the captain. I think they won't get a better option than Rahane as he can become consistent and is a local player. We have seen that local players are more successful in franchise cricket," Akram said.

The senior batter has cemented his place in the CSK playing 11 after his impressive performances so far in the tournament. The right-handed batter has scored more than 200 runs and is striking at almost 190.

"As for foreign players, they don't even remember players' names, so how can they lead. So, I think Rahane is an excellent choice to lead Chennai if Dhoni says he's had enough. CSK might have their own plans, but they are a franchise that plan by putting a lot of thought, epitomized by Stephen Fleming, who knows the team culture inside and out and the players also trust him fully," added the former left-arm pacer.