Visuals of Rishabh Pant partying with MS Dhoni in Mumbai grab limelight

Rishabh Pant was recently seen alongside MS Dhoni at a party in Mumbai. He has frequently joined the Chennai Super Kings skipper in various celebrations. Amid his recovery from injuries, Pant is expected to return to the Indian Premier League in 2024, resuming his captaincy for Delhi Capitals after a one-year hiatus. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2019, had been mentoring Pant for years, guiding the southpaw as he prepared to lead his team once again.

Around the same time last year, Dhoni jetted off to Dubai alongside his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva for Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Adding to the holiday spirit, the Indian team's star wicketkeeper and Delhi Capitals skipper, Rishabh Pant joined the festivities, as Sakshi Dhoni shared glimpses of their get-together at Dubai's Sushisamba restaurant.

On the other hand, the ‘Captain Cool’, following a triumphant season where the 42-year-old led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fifth IPL title despite battling a serious knee injury, the stalwart was recently retained by the team for IPL 2024. Dhoni, recovering from surgery post the previous edition has not commenced training.

Don’t be surprised if Pant leads CSK in 2025: Deep DasGupta

Notably, former cricketer and commentator Deep Dasgupta weighed in on the potential successor to ‘Mahi’ at CSK for the 2025 IPL season. Dasgupta hinted at Rishabh Pant as a possible contender for the leadership mantle in case ‘Thala’ considers retirement, sparking discussions about the wicketkeeper-batters's future role in the Chennai-based franchise.

“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 Dasgupta as quoted by India Today.