Dhoni hands over CSK captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja ahead of IPL 2022

MS Dhoni, after leading the Chennai Super Kings since the inaugural IPL season, has decided to hand over the duties to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

“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,” the Chennai Super Kings said in a statement. 

Under Dhoni’s leadership CSK won four IPL titles and two Champions League trophies. In 204 matches as captain, the 40-year-old has won 121 and lost 82, one match was ended without a result. His winning percentage is 59.60.

Also Read: WC 2022: South Africa clinch semis spot after no-result game vs West Indies

Defending champions CSK will open their campaign against last edition’s runner-up side Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

Only earlier in the day, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar had said that he believes Ravindra Jadeja will be ready to take over the mantle of Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy if Dhoni decides to take a game or two off in the upcoming IPL.

Also Read: Watch: David Warner, Shaheen Afridi’s hilarious standoff in Lahore Test

“The way Ravindra Jadeja has matured as a player over the last few years, the way he is making the adjustment as far as his game is concerned and the way he reads match situations has been absolutely fantastic. If in the odd game MS Dhoni decides to take a break, I won’t be surprised if the mantle of captaincy will be handed over to Jadeja,” Gavaskar said during a Gameplan episode aired on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of IPL.

Also Read: From Dhoni to Jadeja: A look at all Chennai Super Kings captains

“People thought watching Virat Kohli not captaining RCB would be difficult. Can’t even imagine to think MS Dhoni not walking out for the toss when CSK play. #IPL2022,” a social media user reacted.

“MS Dhoni’s Captaincy resignations hurts us more than his retirement. Because we seen him more days as the LEADER than as a player. ?,” one more said.