MS Dhoni stepped away as Chennai Super Kings captain, passing the baton to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, the franchise announced ahead of IPL 2022. 

Jadeja will call the toss and CSK captain for the first time when the team locks horns with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament opener on March 26. 

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

“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,” CSK said in a statement.

“Dhoni will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings this season and beyond,” the franchise added. 

Also read: MS Dhoni’s record as Chennai Super Kings captain

As a captain, Dhoni managed to lead the Yellow army to four IPL and two Champions League titles. In 204 matches under his leadership, the Chennai Super Kings won 121 and lost 82, one match was ended without a result. His winning percentage is 59.60.

As soon as the announcemnet was made, fans and several from the cricketing world posted their tributes on social media. 

“We use the expression “end of an era” very loosely sometimes. But Dhoni giving up the captaincy of @ChennaiIPL is truly the end of an era for all those loyal fans with whom he forged a relationship of the kind very few have,” commentator Harsha Bhogale said.

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“Dhoni handing over the captaincy is big news (after all he is CSK!) but not entirely surprising given the person he is. I don’t think he will play every game either. Just like him. (Will miss those wonderful presentations with him though!)” he added. 

“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.