IPL 2023: 3 players who can replace injured MS Dhoni as CSK captain

Chennai Super Kings locked horns with Rajasthan Royals in the 17^th match of the Indian Premier League(IPL) 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. CSK skipper MS Dhoni looked in pristine touch and blasted 32* runs off 17 balls. However, his valiant effort went in vain as Rajasthan pipped the four-time IPL champions by three runs.

After the nail-biter between CSK and RR, Chennai’s head coach Stephan Fleming revealed that Dhoni was battling a knee injury during the game and it restricted his movements on the field. However, the extent of the injury is yet unknown.

Chennai’s next game is slated to be held on April 17 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. If the legendary cricketer does not achieve full fitness by then and misses the game, the team management would need to appoint a stand-in skipper for the side.

Here are three players who can replace injured MS Dhoni as CSK captain

3. Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali has been a bankable name in the shortest format of the game. He has been a marauder with the bat and amassed 5728 runs in 271 T20 matches at a strike rate of 141.74. Also, the 35-year-old has been a canny customer with the ball and picked up 184 wickets at an economy of 7.65.

Moeen Ali has been magnificent in the cash-rich league as well. He has featured in 47 IPL games and hammered 959 runs at a strike rate of 142.71. On the bowling front, the Birmingham-born has picked up 29 wickets in those outings at an economy of 6.85.

Moreover, Moeen is a brilliant reader of the game and also holds leadership experience, having captained in the international arena and also The Hundred. Therefore, the Chennai management could look at the England all-rounder as their leader of the troops if Dhoni goes unavailable for the upcoming match.