Deep Dasgupta has asserted a significant claim that CSK might pursue this player as a replacement for MS Dhoni should the former India captain choose to retire. He anticipates that the player has been consistently making strides in his recovery and is expected to captain Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024.
CSK in trouble and Deep Dasgupta giving a solution
As all 10 Indian Premier League teams have announced and confirmed their retention lists. For the mini-auction on December 19 in Dubai, the trading window remains open. There are nine more days for teams to contemplate potential transfers. Although it closes on the 19th, they have set the window to reopen for a month starting December 20. While the likelihood of a surprising trade akin to Hardik Pandya’s is minimal in these two windows. A former India cricketer envisions the possibility of a similar move next year, particularly involving the Chennai Super Kings.
CSK’s primary concern in recent times revolves around finding a capable replacement for MS Dhoni, the leader behind their five IPL title victories. The team briefly tried Ravindra Jadeja as a captaincy option in 2022. Resulting in catastrophic outcomes, with the team securing only one win in seven games before Dhoni resumed the role. Rumours circulated that Ben Stokes was selected by the management at the last year’s auction with the same objective. But injury problems sidelined the England all-rounder for most of the season before he was eventually released.
Deep Dasgupta on Rishabh Pant
At the age of 42, Dhoni has been persistently grappling with knee injuries, having undergone surgery earlier this year. Time is becoming a pressing concern for CSK, but Deep Dasgupta proposes a surprising solution. And he envisions its feasibility as well.
Will Rishabh Pant move to CSK? Here’s what I feel. #deeppoint #cricket #indiancricketer #ipl #trending #viral #csk #dc pic.twitter.com/tgZQ9D3KRp
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) December 2, 2023
In a video posted on his social media account, Deep Dasgupta suggests that Rishabh Pant could step into Dhoni’s shoes at CSK. He believes there could be a transfer between Chennai and Delhi Capitals in the upcoming season as well.
“Don’t be surprised if they get Rishabh Pant by IPL 2025. MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant are very close. Obviously, Rishabh adores MS and MS also likes him very much. They spend a lot of time together. Their connection and Rishabh’s thinking are very similar, considering he is very attacking and positive. He’s always talking about winning and what not,” said Deep Dasgupta.
Indian Team struggling post Dhoni retirement
Following Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s tenure in the Indian team, Wriddhiman Saha and KL Rahul received consistent opportunities. But failed to maintain the level of consistency displayed by Dhoni. Subsequently, Rishabh Pant emerged as a dynamic player, excelling as the primary finisher. And securing the wicket-keeper position previously held by Dhoni.
Last year, Rishabh Pant encountered a road accident, compelling him to undergo treatment at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. Preventing him from participating in cricket. Consequently, he couldn’t play for Delhi Capitals in the 16th season. Leading to David Warner taking on the role of alternate captain. Unfortunately, under Warner’s leadership, the Delhi team performed poorly, failing to qualify for the playoff round. In response, the management has declared that Rishabh Pant will assume the captaincy for the Delhi team in the upcoming 17th season.
Rishabh Pant’s record
At the age of 26, Rishabh Pant has amassed 2838 runs in 98 IPL matches, facing 1918 balls. His batting average stands at 34.61, accompanied by an impressive strike rate of 147.97. Notably, he has achieved a century once. In the realm of international T20 matches, Pant has scored 987 runs in 66 games, maintaining a strike rate of 126.54.
View this post on Instagram
Just for knowledge Delhi has not yet confirmed Pant’s participation in the IPL 2024 season. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who experienced a severe car accident last December, is still on the path to recovery. While he was recently in Kolkata during DC’s training camp, he opted not to take part.
Read more: Journalist calls ‘Kadhi Chawal’ as mediocre, Netizens roasts him deep fry
