Dhoni hands over CSK captaincy to Jadeja

Mahendra Singh Dhoni handed over the Chennai Super Kings' captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja ahead of IPL 2022, starting on Saturday.

Jadeja, who has been with CSK since 2012, becomes only the third player to lead the four-time IPL champions after Dhoni and Suresh Raina.

 "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," said CSK in a statement.

'Dhoni will continue to represent CSK this season and beyond,' it added.

Under Dhoni's captaincy, CSK has won four IPL titles -- in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021 as well as two Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014.

Dhoni has captained CSK in 204 IPL matches winning 121, losing 82, while one match ended in a no-result for an overall win percentage of 59.60.

Defending champions CSK will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match of IPL 2022 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

Dhoni, who has led India to two World Cup titles,  has always been his own man when it comes to leaving captaincy or announcing his retirement.

He quit Test captaincy and also the five-day game in the middle of a series in Australia in 2014. And when he thought Virat Kohli was ready to lead India across formats, Dhoni made way for him in 2017.

Though the inspirational leader carried on to play the IPL after announcing his international retirement in his inimitable style, his decision to hand over the CSK leadership to Jadeja was not entirely surprising.

Dhoni knew that he can't go on forever and the 33-year-old Jadeja, who is at the peak of his prowess, is ready for the challenge. The southpaw was CSK's number one retention before the auction ahead of Dhoni, Moeen Ali and Ruturaj Gaekwad.

The announcement still took CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan by surprise but he said  "if Dhoni takes a decision, it has to be in the best interest of the team".

"See whatever decision MS takes it is in the best interest of the team. So there is nothing to worry for us. We respect his decision. He is always there to guide us," Viswanthan said.

"He has always been the guiding force and will continue to be the guiding force."

Asked if the 2022 edition can be his last season, the CEO added: "I don't think it will be his last season. As long as he is fit, we want him to play. That is my wish, I don't know about him (what he thinks)."

On Jadeja's ascension as captain, Viswanathan said the all-rounder is primed to do well.

"See, Jaddu will do well. He is probably in the best form of his career. He will definitely do well under MS' guidance. Jaddu has been with us for 10 years and he very well knows the team culture," he added.

• IPL 2022