The cricket world is abuzz with speculation as Deep Dasgupta, the former cricketer turned analyst, makes a bold assertion regarding the potential future of Rishabh Pant in the IPL. According to Dasgupta, if the illustrious MS Dhoni decides to step down, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might just set their sights on Pant as his successor come IPL 2025.
Pant, recovering steadily from a car accident that sidelined him in December 2022, is anticipated to make a return to the IPL stage in 2024. The Delhi Capitals’ Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly, has confirmed Pant’s resurgence, highlighting his readiness to lead the team in the upcoming season.
Recently seen at the Delhi Capitals’ training camp in Kolkata, Pant refrained from active participation, hinting at his steady recuperation and potential readiness for the IPL 2024 campaign.
In the realm of CSK, the 42-year-old MS Dhoni remains an influential figure and a pivotal force within the league. Despite lingering conjecture about his future in the IPL, Dhoni’s return as CSK’s leader in the 2024 season has been confirmed, much to the delight of his ardent supporters.
Yet, with Dhoni’s future in IPL 2025 under speculation, Dasgupta offered an intriguing possibility. In a video on his official social media platform, he suggested that CSK might eye Pant as Dhoni’s successor, citing the close bond between the two cricketers and their shared outlook on the game.
“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,” remarked Dasgupta.
The prospect of Pant moving to CSK would signify a monumental shift in the IPL landscape. With both players sharing a camaraderie rooted in mutual respect and a similar cricketing approach, such a move could potentially see Pant donning the revered yellow jersey in the future, stepping into the shoes of a legendary figure like MS Dhoni.
The evolving dynamics of IPL team compositions often lead to intriguing possibilities, and the prospect of Rishabh Pant potentially following in the footsteps of the legendary Dhoni at CSK is one that has sparked intense interest and speculation among cricket enthusiasts and pundits alike.
