• Source:JND
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Ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, the buzz around Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni's future in the tournament has flared up. This time Dhoni's former teammate Ambati Rayudu made a strange prediction that India captain Rohit Sharma can replace the wicketkeeper-batter in the 2025 edition of the marquee league.

The IPL 2024 will get underway with the clash between defending champions CSK and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22.

After lifting the trophy in Ahmedabad last year, Dhoni promised to return for the tournament's next edition for his fans. The legendary captain has put in a lot of effort in the off days to get back on the field after the knee surgery that bothered him last year.

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With all-rounder Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit as captain of the five-time winners Mumbai Indians, Rayudu expressed his desire to see the India opener in the yellow jersey in IPL 2025.

As per the veteran batter, Rohit is best-suited to lead any side and after Dhoni's retirement, the vacant post can be filled by the top-order batter as he can continue playing IPL for the next five years.

"Rohit Sharma can play IPL for the next 5-6 years. if he wants to captain, the whole world is open for him. He can easily captain wherever he wants," Rayudu said on News24.

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"I want Rohit Sharma to play for CSK in 2025, if MS (Dhoni) retires then Rohit can lead as well," Rayudu added.

Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians in a cash deal with Gujarat Titans after the culmination of the IPL mini-auction in December last year. Days after his return, five-time champions named Pandya as their skipper for the upcoming edition of the tournament. Rohit will continue to contribute to Mumbai Indians as the batter only.

On the other hand, Dhoni will lead CSK and look to clinch the record-setting sixth title. However, the CSK veteran has not announced his retirement from the IPL but it is expected that it would be his last season.