Former India wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni has stepped down from the CSK captaincy and handed over the leadership command to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja while CSK will play their first match against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26.
India legendary wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni has stepped down as Chennai Super Kings captain. The franchise on Thursday took to social media and released an official statement to announce the change in the leadership.
“Jadeja, who has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2012, will only be the third player to lead the CSK. Dhoni will continue to play for Chennai Super Kings this season and beyond,”
the statement read.
The wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni has captained CSK ever since the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, leading them to four titles as well as two champions league T20 trophies.
CSK shared a video on Twitter to share Ravindra Jadeja’s first reaction on being announced as the new skipper.
“Feeling good, at the same time, I also have to fill in big boots. Mahi Bhai has already set a big legacy so I need to carry it forward,”
he said in the video.
“I do not need to worry too much because he is here. Mahi Bhai will be my go-to person. He was and he still is today. So, I am not worried, thank you for your wishes and love. Keep supporting us,”
Jadeja added.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan said that Dhoni wanted the leadership “transition to be smooth” and felt Jadeja was ready to take up the mantle for the team, which won its fourth IPL title last year.
“MS Dhoni was thinking about it,”
Viswanathan said.
“He felt it is the right time to hand over the captaincy to Jaddu [Jadeja]. He feels Jaddu is also in the prime form of his career and it is the ideal time for him to lead CSK. What will be good for the franchise must be [in the] back of his mind.”
Viswanathan added that the franchise had immense confidence in Jadeja’s leadership.
“Jaddu has the potential to do well for the franchise,”
he said.
“[He is a] good all-round cricketer, playing his best, he can get the team around. And MS’ guidance will always be there. This will be a good induction program.”
Earlier, Dhoni led the franchise to 4 titles in his 12 seasons as captain. He led CSK 204 times in the IPL, winning 121 games and 82 losses. Under his leadership, CSK won the 4 titles and 2 Champions League T20 titles.
CSK Squad: MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Ambati Rayudu, Dwayne Bravo, Robin Uthappa, Deepak Chahar, KM Asif, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Mahesh Theekshana, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Simarjeet Singh, Devon Conway, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Subhranshu Senapati, Mukesh Choudhary, Prashant Solanki, C Hari Nishaanth, N Jagadeesan, Chris Jordan, K Bhagath Varma.