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Predicting the vice-captain for each franchise in IPL 2023

It is important for each team to have a leadership group within the squad. In the event of injuries or suspensions, it will be necessary to already have a backup option in the captaincy department. Usually, IPL franchises don’t specifically name the vice-captain. On that note, here, we predict the vice-captain for each franchise in IPL 2023.

Chennai Super Kings – Ben Stokes

CSK might opt for Ben Stokes as the vice-captain for IPL 2023. The Ravindra Jadeja-experiment did not find success last season. Hence, the franchise might opt to have proven candidate Ben Stokes as MS Dhoni’s deputy. While Stokes will be seen as MSD’s successor, Ruturaj Gaikwad could also get a role in the group.

Delhi Capitals – Axar Patel

It has been reported that in the absence of Rishabh Pant, David Warner will lead the side in IPL 2023. Axar Patel is set to be Warner’s deputy in this regard. It won’t be a surprise if Prithvi Shaw also gets a look in, going forward.

Gujarat Titans – Rashid Khan

Gujarat Titans are all set to continue with Rashid Khan as the vice-captain for IPL 2023. Rashid Khan led GT in the absence of Hardik Pandya in IPL 2022. This will remain the same for the upcoming season, too. That said, Shubman Gill is a good candidate for GT to groom in this department.

Lucknow Super Giants – Quinton de Kock

Having led the Durban Super Giants, QDK will be seen as a valued cricketer in the setup. Therefore, he should be KL Rahul’s deputy. Some of the other options for the management include Krunal Pandya and Deepak Hooda.

Kolkata Knight Riders – Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine was the skipper of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the International League T20. Hence, he is likely to be Shreyas Iyer’s deputy. KKR do not have too many options barring Narine. This is one area that they must improve in the coming seasons.

Mumbai Indians – Suryakumar Yadav

Mumbai Indians are likely to have SKY as the vice-captain for IPL 2023. With Kieron Pollard having retired, it will be interesting to see who will be the vice-captain of Mumbai Indians. Suryakumar Yadav recently donned the role of vice-captain of Team India and hence, he is likely to get a similar role.

Punjab Kings – Jonny Bairstow

PBKS, unfortunately, do not have too many options for this role. They could rely on someone like Jonny Bairstow. The rest of the experienced campaigners such as Kagiso Rabada do not inspire confidence as a skipper in the IPL.

Rajasthan Royals – Jos Buttler

RR has a solid option if Sanju Samson is not available for a game or two. Jos Buttler in the leadership group is a big advantage for RR. R Ashwin could also be a candidate in this regard.

Royal Challengers Bangalore – Dinesh Karthik

Since Virat Kohli is unlikely to be in the discussion, DK is the best bet for RCB. Glenn Maxwell is also an option but to have two foreigners in the captaincy group could create balance issues.

Sunrisers Hyderabad – Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal is likely to be the vice-captain of SRH for IPL 2023. Mayank was one of the aspirants to be the skipper of SRH. Now that Aiden Markram has got the role, the former PBKS skipper can be Markram’s deputy, despite the presence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has held the role till now.

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