Indian T20 League: Australian legend feels that MS Dhoni should not lead Chennai in 2023

Ravindra Jadeja led Chennai for their first eight games of the Indian T20 League 2022. However, the yellow army were only able to win two matches under his leadership. Thus, the all-rounder handed over the captaincy back to MS Dhoni. However, the legendary keeper-batter failed to change the fortunes of the Chennai-based franchise as he too could only win two out of the next six games.

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As for Dhoni's form in the 2022 edition, he scored 232 runs in 14 games at an average and strike rate of 33.14 and 123.40 respectively. Thus, there have been mixed opinions on whether Dhoni should continue playing for Chennai in 2023 as well. Matthew Hayden recently spoke about the same. He felt that the 41-year-old doesn't stand a chance if individual performances are concerned.

Further on, he cited Sanju Samson as an example. He spoke about how the Kerala cricketer has scored over 300 runs at an average of 30, but is still questioned. Further on, he said that it will be a very emotional decision.

"It is a really tough one. It depends on what the franchise expects. If you want a captain who has scored 200 runs this season at a strike rate of 128, then no problem. He has still got power in the hands, he still has those reflexes behind the stumps, he has still got that great running between the wickets. He is also the most experienced captain in the entire IPL and has got those titles behind his name and that team behind him as well. But as they sit to rebuild and re-structure, how much of that is going to be MSD's contribution," said Matthew Hayden, while speaking on Star Sports.

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"If you look at his actual contribution then I would say there is no chance of playing on. Have a look at Samson, he has scored over 300 runs at an average of 30 and that is still questioned if it is a big enough contribution as a leader. So these are the things that will be measured and it will be a very emotional decision. Listen to the crowd and how they respond to him. And that is very important and that is why I fail to buy into this conversation," he added.

The 15th edition of the Indian T20 League didn't really turn out to be a memorable one for Chennai. The defending champions ended the 2022 edition with just four wins in 14 games. Moreover, this is just the second season where the yellow army have failed to make it to the playoffs.