MS Dhoni handed over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja on Thursday, the franchise announced ahead of the start of IPL 2022.
“MS Dhoni has decided to hand over the leadership of Chennai Super Kings and picked Ravindra Jadeja to lead the team. Jadeja, who has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2012, will only be the third player to lead CSK. Dhoni will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings this season and beyond,” CSK said in a statement.
Official Statement #WhistlePodu #Yellove @msdhoni @imjadeja
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 24, 2022
ALSO READ | ‘Just Like he Handed Virat the Captaincy’: CSK CEO Explains Why MS Dhoni Steeped Down From His Post
Dhoni, who had been the captain of CSK since the inception of the league in 2008, had already retired from international cricket in August 2020. Under his captaincy, Chennai won the IPL trophy in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021 apart from winning two now-defunct Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014.
The only other player to have led CSK, Suresh Raina said he is thrilled to see Jadeja take over the reins of the side.
“Absolutely thrilled for my brother. I can’t think of anyone better to take over the reins of a franchise we both had grown up in. All the best Ravindra Jadeja. It’s an exciting phase and I’m sure you will live up to all the expectations and love,” Raina, who was not picked up by any franchise at the auctions, tweeted.
Absolutely thrilled for my brother. I can’t think of anyone better to take over the reins of a franchise we both had grown up in. All the best @imjadeja . It’s an exciting phase and I’m sure you will live up to all the expectations and love #yellow #csk #WhistlePodu
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) March 24, 2022
“Never in a million years did I think it was possible! What a leader MS Dhoni has been and what a legacy he leaves for Ravindra Jadeja to carry the baton of the best team in the IPL by a mile,” Krishnamachari Srikkanth tweeted.
#MSDhoni quits as captain never in a million years did i think it was possible! What a leader @msdhoni has been and what a legacy he leaves for @imjadeja to carry the baton of the best team in the Ipl by a mile @ChennaiIPL!
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) March 24, 2022
Wasim Jaffer expressed his feeling in the best only he can, through a meme.
MS Dhoni leaving CSK captaincy and continuing as a player: #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/auPPAtvxM3
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 24, 2022
We use the expression “end of an era” very loosely sometimes. But Dhoni giving up the captaincy of @ChennaiIPL is truly the end of an era for all those loyal fans with whom he forged a relationship of the kind very few have.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 24, 2022
HERE IS HOW THE OTHER IPL TEAMS REACTED TO THE NEWS:
Congratulations, @imjadeja bhai! !
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) March 24, 2022
Congratulations on a legendary tenure as captain of CSK, @msdhoni!
Can’t wait to see this bromance on the field soon. #PlayBold #RCB #WeAreChallengers #IPL2022 #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/XbH6ir91C8
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 24, 2022
It’s been a pleasure, MS Dhoni (C). 💛💗 pic.twitter.com/lNP2eMHdqf
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 24, 2022
From 7️⃣ to 8️⃣ and from to
Congratulations on a stellar captaincy stint to MS Dhoni and all the best to Jadeja #IPL2022 @imjadeja pic.twitter.com/NR5LrkYvXy
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 24, 2022
You led the pack with class MSD, and all of us watched in awe
All the best to the man next in line @imjadeja #YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/zBBpf5ZdJu
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 24, 2022
“See whatever decision MS takes it is in the best interest of the team. So there is nothing to worry for us. We respect his decision. He is always there to guide us,” Viswanthan told PTI.
“He has always been the guiding force and will continue to be the guiding force.”
Asked if the 2022 edition can be his last season, the CEO added: “I don’t think it will be his last season. As long as he is fit, we want him to play. That is my wish, I don’t know about him (what he thinks).”
On Jadeja’s ascension as captain, Viswanathan said the all-rounder is primed to do well.
“See Jaddu will do well. He is probably in the best form of his career. He will definitely do well under MS’ guidance. Jaddu has been with us for 10 years and he very well knows the team culture,” he added.
Defending champions CSK will open their IPL 2022 campaign against two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders in a re-match of the 2021 IPL final at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Get all the latest updates on Cricket News, Cricket Photos, Cricket Videos, IPL Auction 2022 and Cricket Scores here