IPL 2024: 'Dhoni will leave the captaincy in the middle of the season', CSK veteran made shocking claim

The Indian Premier League (IPL) will hold its 17th season from March 22 to May 26. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time champions, will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the opening game of this season. Ambati Rayudu, a former batsman for CSK, made a significant claim before this game. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is expected to step down as captain in the middle of the season, according to Rayudu.

During the 'Star Sports Press Room', Rayudu claimed that Dhoni could leave the captaincy of the team only after a few matches. He said, 'If Dhoni decides to retire from IPL, it will be a period of change for the Chennai team. But if they want to play further then they can make someone else the captain and play further as an 'impact player'. Rayudu further said, 'I would personally like him to be seen as a captain.'

Discussing which position Dhoni will bat at and whether he will promote himself up the order, Rayudu said, 'You never know about Dhoni bhai, but after knowing him and what has happened in the last few seasons, I There is doubt on that. He will promote himself to the upper order. But not in the top order. After Conway's injury, they may promote a young player. I am sure with his batting he can promote himself up once or twice.

He further praised Dhoni and said, 'He looks at the team and the players, how they are going, who is ready and who is not ready, then he quietly fills his 12-13 players and keeps them stable for the entire season.

Rayudu also said that he does not doubt that Dhoni will play for CSK this entire season, saying, 'I think if he has decided to play this season and if he is even 10 per cent fit, So he will play the whole season. Injury would not keep him out of the game and he has played through several injuries. Even during last season, he was playing with a very bad knee injury, so I don't think anything can stop him from playing this entire season.