"Job Easier If MS Dhoni Wasn't Around": Ex India Star Turns Heads With Blunt CSK Captaincy Remark

With Ruturaj Gaikwad taking over the captaincy at Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni's reign as the franchise's leader comes to an end before the start of the IPL 2024 season. Dhoni decided to relinquish the responsibility while still being around as a player, hoping to remain available to Gaikwad on the field whenever the new captain feels the need for consultation. But, former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer feels the job would've been easier for Gaikwad had Dhoni left the team completely.

Questioning the timing of Dhoni's decision to quit captaincy, Jaffer said that the move would've made more sense if Dhoni had quit the IPL entirely.

"No, I don't think so. I think it would have made more sense if MS Dhoni was not around. He had retired and he was not around. It would have made any captain's life a lot easier. Now, with MS Dhoni being around, it always makes a job a lot more difficult for any captain," Jaffer said in a chat with ESPNCricinfo.

Jaffer expects a tricky time for Gaikwad in the middle when it comes to the decision-making process, questioning if the opening batter would be comfortable with his calls even if Dhoni doesn't agree with them.

Hence, for Jaffer, Thala's complete absence would've been better for Gaikwad to begin his captaincy charge at CSK.

"Whether he takes any decision and whether Dhoni agrees to it or not. Whether he likes those decisions. And you are on your own, and we all know that Ruturaj Gaikwad would have been the successor. But I think if Dhoni was not around, it would have made a lot more easier," said Jaffer.

In all likelihood, the IPL 2024 season will be MS Dhoni's last in the T20 league. The veteran wicket-keeper batter is expected to take up a role among the support staff from the next