The man who led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise since the beginning of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has decided to step down. Mahendra Singh Dhoni hands over CSK captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja.
Dhoni Stepped Down As CSK Captain
In surprising news, Dhoni has handed over the captaincy reins at CSK to Ravindra Jadeja, before the start of the 15th season of the IPL. The development comes in two days before CSK’s opening match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai at Wankhede Stadium.
Dhoni, who was bought by CSK in the inaugural season in 2008, has led the franchise to 4 titles in the 12 seasons. Under Dhoni, CSK set themselves as the most fearsome team in the league, qualifying for the playoffs every season.
“MS Dhoni has chosen to hand over the leadership of Chennai Super Kings and picked Ravindra Jadeja to lead the side. Jadeja, who has been an essential part of the Chennai Super Kings camp since 2012, will only be the third player to lead CSK. Dhoni will continue to represent CSK this season and beyond,” read a statement from CSK.
Last IPL for Dhoni?
The reason for Dhoni stepping down as captain could be that he might be playing his last IPL this season.
The cricket legend himself Sunil Gavaskar feels it is the right time for Jadeja to take up the captaincy.
“The way Ravindra Jadeja has grown as a player over the last few years, the way he is changing as far as his game is concerned, and the way he reads match situations have been fantastic,” said Sunil Gavaskar.
“It is no surprise that MS Dhoni will be taking a break in any odd games during the IPL. And Jadeja taking the captaincy will be fantastic,” Gavaskar added.
Defending champions CSK will start their campaign against last edition’s runner-up side Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium here on Saturday.
