Former Chennai Super Kings batsman Michael Hussey was all praise for young Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose name is being touted as the potential next skipper for the franchise in life after the retirement of their captain MS Dhoni. With indications that IPL 2023 could be Dhoni’s last, Gaikwad is being considered as his likely replacement at the helm.
Hussey, who has been associated with the CSK’s support staff in what remains a fruitful partnership, said he isn’t sure what the plan is when it comes to the imminent captaincy shift after the coming season but agreed Gaikwad could be the right man for the top job going forward.
Speaking to Indian Express, the former Australia middle-order giant lauded the Maharashtra and India batter for his calm and composed nature and the ability to withstand pressure like Dhoni has done over the years for the Super Kings.
“I’m not sure what the plans for the future at CSK, but like Dhoni, he is very calm. He is actually very calm when it comes to handling the pressure like Dhoni and he is a very good reader of the game,”
Hussey said.
“And as I said earlier, he is very observant and I think people are drawn to him because of his nature, character and personality and they like being around him. He has got some excellent leadership qualities,”
he added.
Speculations have been rife around CSK’s new skipper post IPL 2023 ever since last summer Dhoni indicated that the following season is going to be his last. Whether or not the great wicketkeeper-batter stays part of CSK’s working group remains to be seen. But he had said he wishes to end on a high in playing capacity in front of the passionate Chepauk crowd.
If that materialises, CSK should be keen on a new skipper who can implement fresh ideas that the franchise needs after two disastrous league-stage exits around a surprise title triumph in the last three years.
Gaikwad’s name is high on contention since the player has over the past seasons become a linchpin to CSK’s batting. From his debut back in IPL 2020, the 25-year-old has made 1,207 runs at an average of 37.71 and a strike rate of 130.34.
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