Ambati Rayudu has predicted that MS Dhoni might take a back seat and promote someone to captain Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the middle overs.
He said that the Impact Player rule will help MS Dhoni.
Dhoni, who was expected to retire from the IPL last season, vowed to play one more season with the CSK for his fans who flocked the stadiums across India to shower their love on him. The 42-year-old has already started his preparations in Chennai.
“With the Impact Player rule, he (Dhoni) can take a back seat and promote someone to captain their side in the middle (overs). 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 to see him as a captain,” Rayudu, who retired from all forms of cricket last year, told Star Sports Press Room.
MS Dhoni won’s bat in top-order: Ambati Rayudu
Further, Ambati Rayudu predicted that MS Dhoni would again bat lower down the order, and chances of him batting in the top-order were slim. He also asserted that Dhoni would play all the games for CSK even if he was half fit.
“I’m sure with his batting he may promote himself one or two up, but not in the top order,” opined Rayudu, who was part of CSK when they equal their record-equalling fifth IPL trophy last season.
“I think if he has decided to play this season and if he is even 10 percent fit, he will definitely play the full season and knowing him, injury will not keep him out of the game and he has played through many injuries.
“Even during the last season, he was playing with a very bad knee injury. So, I don’t think anything will stop him from playing full season,” he added.
Rayudu also revealed that Dhoni shortlists a list of players and fields them constantly in the middle. The same strategy has done wonders for CSK in the past. Out-of-form and out-of-favour players have flourished due to the backing they get from Dhoni.
“He (Dhoni) observes the team, and the players and how they are going about, who is ready, who is not ready, then he fills up his 12-13 players quietly and he keeps them constant for the whole season,” said Rayudu.
Utkarsh Singh Mykhel
source: mykhel.com