While it remains to be seen whether the prediction of Dasgupta hits the bullseye or not, the fans of the Chennai Super Kings wouldn’t mind replacing Dhoni with Pant. Dhoni decided to retire from the IPL after the 2024 edition.
It is not a big secret that IPL 20-24 might be the last time fans will see Mahendra Singh Dhoni walk out in the color of the Chennai Super Kings. There are speculations about the legendary wicketkeeper and batsman retiring from the IPL before the next season. But Dhoni declared himself fit and available to play in the IPL in 2024. Now the question arises: if this is the last season of IPL for Dhoni, then who will fill these big shoes for CSK in 2025? Former cricketer and analyst Dasgupta has another explosive wicketkeeper and batsman in mind, and he is Rishabh Pant.
Watch the video here.
At the age of 42, Dhoni recently announced his comeback, as he was one of the 19 players retained by the Chennai Super Kings for the next season of the IPL. The veteran led CSK to their fifth IPL title in the final earlier this year; however, it is a strong possibility that Mahendra Singh Dhoni will hang up his boots after IPL 2024.
On the other hand, Pant had to deal with a huge setback last year as he was involved in a car accident in December 2022 in which he sustained some major injuries. The accident caused him to take a break from cricket for several months. He was ruled out of the IPL 2023 and even missed the ODI 2023 World Cup.
According to Deep Dasgupta Rishabh Pant, this will be a topic to look out for before the options of IPL 2025. He predicted that CSK would go all out for pants in the IPL 2025 auction. Dasgupta said, “Don’t be surprised if CSK pursues Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025. MS Dhoni and Rishabh share a special bond. Rishabh holds MS in high regard, and the feeling is mutual. Their extensive time spent together has forged a deep connection. Rishabh’s approach to the game mirrors that of MS Dhoni—aggressive, positive, and relentlessly focused on winning. This synergy could make Pant an ideal candidate for the CSK squad in the upcoming mega auction.”
