New Delhi: Legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has been leading four times Indian Premier League (IPL) winners Chennai Super Kings since the inaugural edition in 2008, decided to hand over the team's captaincy to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ahead of IPL 2022. Thala once again shocked the fans with his bold decision.
Speculations over Dhoni's retirement from IPL after this year's season gained momentum as soon as the tournament's second most successful skipper stepped down as CSK's skipper.
Discussions on Dhoni's retirement have intensified as many are predicting that the veteran decided to leave CSK's captaincy because he is planning to quit cricket entirely at the end of IPL 2022. When Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan was asked about it, he said the 40-year-old will continue to represent the franchise this season and even further.
“No, I don’t think (this is going to be his last season). He will carry on,” CEO Viswanathan said as per Indian Express.
Speaking on MS Dhoni's big decision to hand over CSK's captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, Viswanathan said 'he must've taken the decision in the best interest of CSK'.
“We have always respected the decision of MS. He has been a pillar of strength for us. He will continue to be a pillar of strength and he will guide Jaddu (Jadeja) and the other members of the team. He is expecting a smooth transition from him to Jaddu and that’s why he has taken the decision. As a captain and player, who has always cared for CSK, he must have taken the decision in the best interest of CSK,” Viswanathan said.
In the IPL 2008 auction, Chennai Super Kings had acquired MS Dhoni -- the man who had just led team India to victory in the T20 World Cup. Under Dhoni's captaincy, CSK won a record 121 out of 204 matches in the IPL.