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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for a mega-auction ahead of the 2025 season, and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are already planning for a future without their iconic captain, MS Dhoni. With Dhoni likely to play his final season in 2024, CSK has appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as his successor in the captaincy role. However, finding a suitable on-field replacement for Dhoni is a significant challenge, and recent reports suggest that CSK might be considering Rishabh Pant as a potential option.
The Delhi Capitals, Pant's current franchise, are facing uncertainty about retaining him as their captain, despite support from their director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly. This uncertainty has fueled speculation about Pant's future with the Capitals, and the possibility of him being traded before the 2025 season. According to a report in Dainik Jagran, a source within CSK revealed that if Dhoni retires, the franchise would be keen on securing Pant's services, considering him as a potential successor for Dhoni's role. Known for his explosive batting and impressive wicket-keeping skills, Pant could be an ideal fit for CSK's playing style.
CSK finished fifth in the 2024 season, displaying a balanced performance with seven wins and seven losses. While they missed the playoffs, the team showed promise under Gaikwad's emerging leadership. Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals are undergoing a period of significant change with the recent departure of Ricky Ponting as head coach after a seven-year tenure. This reshuffle could have a further impact on the franchise's decisions regarding player retention and trades. As the auction draws nearer, the focus will be on the strategies employed by the franchises, particularly CSK's potential move to bring in Pant. The final decision will depend on whether Delhi Capitals decide to release Pant and how CSK navigates the highly competitive auction landscape.