'Maybe Dhoni is telling them to run the show' - CSK legend's massive claim on his former franchise ahead of clash vs PBKS in Chepauk

Ravichandran Ashwin opined that the legendary MS Dhoni, who is out of action due to a calf strain, could be giving Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and head coach Stephen Fleming a chance to run the show in his absence. The former India off-spinner feels that Dhoni might have taken this route to help the coach-captain duo prepare for life after his retirement.

Ashwin recalled the time when Ricky Ponting was named captain of the Mumbai Indians for IPL 2013, but only after a few games, the Australian legend handed over leadership duties to Rohit and the Mumbai batter guided the franchise to five titles in eight seasons.

Ashwin gave Dhoni 99% of the credit for CSK's phenomenal success over the years. The former added that if the Men in Yellow take the captain's suggestions, it will stand them in strong stead.

"None of us can predict from the outside that what is the relation between Gaikwad, Fleming and Dhoni. I do know that Fleming and Gaikwad sit and have a lot of discussions. Maybe Dhoni is telling them to run the show and learn as they have to take it forward. None of us know what Dhoni's plan is, what he will do after his playing career," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.

"So this is a situation that I would compare to MI. At one point, they took Ricky Ponting. The same year, he thought it was not happening, and maybe he recommended Rohit to captain. That communication and collective wisdom were there. No one can replace Dhoni's experience. You accept it or not, CSK's 99% success is because of Dhoni. The result is in front. They should keep him together, and if they use him well and make decisions together, things will become easy," he added.

Ashwin said that the current CSK side has several youngsters, and they shouldn't be burdened with the pressure of expectations. His comments came after the five-time champions lost their opening game of the season to the Rajasthan Royals comprehensively. The 39-year-old encouraged the young talents to enjoy the experience of playing in a tournament as big as the IPL and use it to become better versions of themselves.

"The baggage of five trophies and legacy should not come on the new guys. It is not upon them. We need to allow these new guys to make mistakes. The team's legacy is not their problem. They cannot carry that baggage. They need to be allowed to enjoy the game. When does it happen in sports that there cannot be bad seasons? Even in last five years they have won two titles right? Why should these new guys carry the weight of somebody else's expectation? Many are young and inexperienced," he expressed.

Even if they fail the entire season, they will learn and get better: Ashwin

Ashwin reiterated that putting unnecessary pressure won't do any good, especially to the younger lot of players at CSK. The former India spinner said even if the Men in Yellow fail to perform well this season, the players will only get better from their experiences, which will help the team in the long run.

"If someone in the RR camp goes and tells Suryavanshi that we have not won from 2008 and you have to win it for us, will his bat do the talking? Will anyone tell him like that? He will not be able to score then. At the end of the day, you need to enjoy the game. If there is no joy, it is very tough. There should not be unnecessary pressure. Even if they fail the entire season, they will learn and get better. If you don't lose, what is the joy of winning? The one who loses and accepts defeat can win in life," he said.