MS Dhoni sprung a big surprise to IPL fans, his fans and his club when he suddenly announced that he has stepped down as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper just days before the first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The CSK legend led the franchise to four IPL titles. Ravindra Jadeja will now be at the helm of the Chennai-based franchise.
Dhoni, who was the most expensive buy at the inaugural IPL auction held in February 2008, has been the skipper of CSK right through all the IPL seasons the franchise has participated. Under his leadership, CSK has registered a record 121 wins in 204 matches in the IPL.
MS Dhoni Picks Ravindra Jadeja to lead CSK in 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,” read a statement from CSK.
“It’s been a pleasure, MS Dhoni (C),” tweeted the official handle of Rajasthan Royals.
As soon as the announcement was made public, MS Dhoni fans took to Twitter to express their love for their beloved ‘Thala’. Dhoni led CSK 204 times in the IPL, winning 121 games and losing 82. His win percentage was 59.6 in the cash-rich league. Under his tenure, CSK won 4 IPL titles and 2 Champions League T20 titles.
With Dhoni as the captain, CSK also hoisted the IPL trophy on four occasions – 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021. Moreover, CSK also ended up as the runners-up on five occasions – 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2019.
Meanwhile, Jadeja, who has been with the CSK set-up since 2012, will become the third cricketer to lead CSK. Suresh Raina once took over the mantle of leading the side against Yorkshire in the Champions League held in South Africa in October 2012.
