While confirming that MS Dhoni will lead CSK in IPL 2024, Viswanathan revealed owner N Srinivasan’s stance on the matter, emphasizing the importance of the captain and coach’s decision-making autonomy.
“In internal discussions, Srinivasan has made it very clear. Let’s not talk about captain and vice-captain appointments. Let’s leave it to the coach and the captain to decide,” said Viswanathan in an interview with S Badrinath on the latter’s YouTube show.
“He has said that ‘the captain and the coach will decide and give us a directive, till then let’s all keep quiet.'”
Despite ongoing talks about Dhoni’s future in the T20 tournament, the former Indian captain has dismissed retirement rumors and committed to playing for CSK for at least another season, citing it as a gesture of gratitude to the fans.
Having recovered from a knee injury, Dhoni has been actively involved in leading CSK’s training sessions ahead of the new IPL season.
Viswanathan outlined that discussions about leadership succession are ongoing internally but emphasized Srinivasan’s directive to let the captain and coach determine the course of action regarding captaincy appointments. He recalled that CSK had entrusted
Ravindra Jadeja with the captaincy at the beginning of IPL 2022, only for Dhoni to reclaim the role after a string of poor results.
Reflecting on CSK’s objectives for IPL 2024, Viswanathan reiterated the franchise’s focus on qualifying for the knockouts, a testament to their consistent performance over the years.
“Before every season, MS Dhoni tells us ‘first let us concentrate on league games. We will look to qualify for the knockouts’,” added Viswanathan, highlighting Dhoni’s approach to the upcoming season.
As CSK gear up for the new season, all eyes will be on their performance on the field and the evolving leadership dynamics within the team, with Dhoni’s guidance playing a pivotal role in shaping the franchise’s campaign aspirations.