Graeme Smith backs youngsters to sparkle in the 2024 Indian Premier League

His views come in the wake of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's shock decision to step down as the captain of Chennai Super Kings after leading the team for over a decade.

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been handed the difficult task of replacing Dhoni, who led the Super Kings to IPL five titles during his time as captain.

The former Indian national team skipper has battled back from knee surgery to be fit for the new season, but will focus purely on playing this term.

Smith says he was surprised to see Dhoni step aside as captain, but believes he will still have a key role to play as the Super Kings chase a record sixth IPL title.

"He might have suffered a niggle in pre-season training or just realised that it's time, but you wonder whether his body feels like it can last an entire season," Smith told Betway.

"It will be interesting to see the type of role that he plays now, how they phase him in and out and what sort of cricketing element he can play, but his influence over the team in the coming weeks is still going to be enormous."

Smith's interest in the IPL dates back to 2008, when he was part of the Rajasthan Royals side which won the inaugural edition of the competition.

His love of T20 cricket continued after he retired from playing – a point evidenced by his appointment as the new commissioner of South Africa's version of the IPL in 2022.

All six teams in the SA20 competition are owned by IPL franchise owners, each of whom are eager to boost the global profile of T20 cricket.

Smith has been tasked with replicating the IPL's mode of operating, which has been widely praised for the way it has transformed cricket in India.

While overseas players are an integral part of the franchise cricket model, the competitions are also a proving ground for homegrown talents. Smith highlighted the progress made in recent years by Yashasvi Jaiswal, with the talented batsman using the IPL as a springboard to earn a call-up to India's Test team.

He believes Dhoni's decision to step aside as the Super Kings' captain as he winds down his playing career will open the door for more future stars to rise up the ranks.

"You can be sure that, as one generation steps away, another will quickly emerge," Smith added.

"There's so much talent in India with rookies and youngsters that really put their hand up after being exposed to the crowds and the pressures of facing international talent.

"There's always someone that comes to the fore. Jaiswal, for example, really stepped up last year and is now averaging over 68 in Test cricket.

"Such depth of talent and competitive cricket is why the Indian team has gone from strength to strength. It's a model to be applauded and I can't wait to see the next stars emerge."