MS Dhoni was instrumental in turning CSK into one of the most consistent IPL franchises and leading them to four titles.
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MS Dhoni has decided to step down as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain ahead of IPL 2022 and pass on the baton to franchise veteran and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The former India captain was roped in by CSK as the most expensive player from the inaugural IPL auction held in 2008. He has led the Chennai franchise since the first season — barring their two years of ban — and played an instrumental role in establishing them as one of the most consistent sides.
“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 an official statement.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, in an interview to espncricinfo, said that Dhoni wanted the captaincy transition to be smooth and felt Jadeja was ready to take up the mantle for the team.
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Dhoni had announced his decision to step down as captain in Thursday’s meeting before the squad left for training.
“MS Dhoni was thinking about it,” Viswanathan told espncricinfo. “He felt it is the right time to hand over captaincy to Jaddu [Jadeja]. He feels Jaddu is also in prime form of his career and it is the ideal time for him lead CSK. What will be good for the franchise must be [in the] back of his mind.”
The 2011 World Cup winning captain led CSK to a record 121 wins in 204 matches in the IPL. The franchise won the IPL title in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021 under his captaincy besides finishing as runners-up on five occasions (2008, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2019).
Jadeja, meanwhile, will be the third captain for CSK after Dhoni and Suresh Raina.
