Mahendra Singh Dhoni drops BOMBSHELL on eve of IPL 2022

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stood down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings two days before the start of the new season, handing over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja, the team said on Thursday.

Dhoni, 40, has guided Chennai to four titles in the world’s most valuable Twenty20 event, which opens on Saturday in Mumbai with a match between Chennai and Kolkata Knight Riders.

“Jadeja, who has been a part of the Chennai Super Kings since 2012, will be only the third player to head CSK,” the franchise stated.

“Dhoni will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings this season and beyond.”

Chennai Super Kings were successful under Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Chennai under Dhoni became one of the most successful IPL teams since the league began in 2008 and apart from title wins they also have five runners-up finishes.

Dhoni, who quit as all-format India captain in 2017, remained Chennai’s backbone as a leader and wicketkeeper-batsman, as well as a huge crowd-puller in the cash-rich league.

“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,” veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted.

Dhoni led Chennai to 121 wins in 204 IPL matches and two Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014, before the tournament was stopped.

Jadeja, 33, a left-hand batsman and left-arm spin bowler, has been a key member of the Chennai team since 2012, apart from a two-year break when the franchise was suspended.

The 15th edition of the tournament has been expanded to 10 teams but league games will be restricted to four venues in Mumbai and Pune with limited crowds.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse