• Cricket fraternity reacted after MS Dhoni stepped down as Chennai Super Kings captain.

  • Dhoni has handed over the responsibility to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

From Irfan Pathan to RP Singh: Cricket fraternity reacts as MS Dhoni quits CSK’s captaincy
Irfan Pathan, MS Dhoni, RP Singh (Image Source: Twitter)

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The legendary MS Dhoni shocked his fans around the world after the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) announced that Dhoni has stepped down as CSK captain ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, starting March 26.

The development came on Thursday when the official Twitter handle of CSK confirmed that Dhoni has withdrawn from the captaincy and passed on the baton to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

“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. Dhoni will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings this season and beyond,” stated an official CSK release.

Dhoni, who joined the Super Kings as a skipper in the inaugural season in 2008, has led the ‘Yellow Army’ to as many as four IPL title victories in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021. The defending champions also hold the record for most appearances in the playoffs (eleven) and the Final (nine) in IPL history.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan revealed that Dhoni had announced the decision on Thursday at the team meeting before the squad left for training. CSK will play the tournament opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 26 in Mumbai.

“MS Dhoni was thinking about it. He felt it is the right time to hand over the captaincy to Jaddu [Jadeja]. He feels Jaddu is also in the prime form of his career, and it is the ideal time for him to lead CSK. What will be good for the franchise must be [in the] back of his mind,” said Viswanathan as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

As Dhoni decided to hand over the captaincy to Jadeja, the cricket fraternity didn’t miss the opportunity to express good wishes to Dhoni for having such a stellar career as a captain in the lucrative league.

Former India all-rounder and Dhoni’s ex-teammate Irfan Pathan appreciated Dhoni for achieving so many heights as CSK skipper.

“Timing has always been the key for MS. Well done on your leadership and mind-blowing results over the years for CSK. Would like to see him finish on a high,” tweeted Irfan.

Former India opener Kris Srikkanth was in disbelief, stating he never thought MSD would quit the captaincy.

“#MSDhoni quits as captain never in a million years did I think it was possible! What a leader @msdhoni has been and what a legacy he leaves for @imjadeja to carry the baton of the best team in the Ipl by a mile @ChennaiIPL!” tweeted Srikkanth.

Former India pacer and one of Dhoni’s dearest friends RP Singh wrote: “Knowing #MSDhoni𓃵 , this is so typical of him. No one quite knows what #Dhoni exactly thinks, but whatever his thought process, the team is always supreme in any of his decisions. I think it’s also good for #jadeja that he can learn a lot from him on the field. #CricketTwitter”

Here is how others reacted:

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