In what came as a big news in the entire cricketing circuit on Thursday afternoon, the legend of the game MS Dhoni will not lead the side in the 2022 edition. MS Dhoni passed on the captaincy role to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja just two days ahead of the tournament opener.
The IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings took to social media informing about MS Dhoni handing over the captaincy reign to CSK’s star-allrounder Ravindra Jadeja. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said that Dhoni wanted the leadership “transition” to be smooth and felt Jadeja was ready to take up the mantle for the team, which won its fourth IPL title last year.” However, the legend will continue to remain with the franchise this time and beyond, the part of the statement read.
Popularly known as Thala, Dhoni had an unparalleled stature as a captain who led the Chennai franchise to four IPL titles. It was earlier speculated that he would continue to lead the Yellow Army with whom he shares a special bond.
Knowing the fact that Thala will no longer lead the Yellow Army, CSK fans could not control their emotions and instantly expressed their emotional tribute to their favourite captain.
Check out the tweets here:
How he started How it ends. Ms Dhoni handed captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja.😢🥺 END OF AN ERA. #MSDhoni #CSK𓃬 #ravindrajadeja𓃵 #ChennaiSuperKings @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/Ow7HXT2KoF
— VEDANT CHOTALIA (@VedantChotalia) March 24, 2022
It's been a pleasure, MS Dhoni (C). 💛💗 pic.twitter.com/lNP2eMHdqf
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 24, 2022
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.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 24, 2022
End of an Era, Will miss you skip #MSDhoni. pic.twitter.com/0f4I0fTwRn
— 𝘋𝘶𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘩 (@82__mohali) March 24, 2022
Best IPL skipper steps down from captaincy. End of an era 💔 pic.twitter.com/73PtgskiQu
— v. (@v1mal7) March 24, 2022
Glad to have seen you lift your final trophy live. 💛
End of an Era. 🥲#ThankYouMS #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/hyuvc9lhaW— Neel Patel (@NeelPatel189) March 24, 2022
MS Dhoni leaving CSK captaincy and continuing as a player: #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/auPPAtvxM3
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 24, 2022
Hands down, the best Captain ever. Retweet if you agree!🥳💛 #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/9VrNDq33S2
— WhistlePodu Army ® – CSK Fan Club (@CSKFansOfficial) March 24, 2022
Thala, You will always be our Captain cool @msdhoni. Leader and Inspiration forever!!
Over to @imjadeja to lead @ChennaiIPL 💛#Dhoni #MSDhoni #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/SbzdhnmMPx
— Md Ghulam Quddus (@GhulamQuddus) March 24, 2022
MS Dhoni, who was picked by CSK in the inaugural season in 2008, led the Chennai franchise to 4 titles in his 12 seasons as captain. Under Dhoni, CSK established themselves as the most consistent franchise in the league, qualifying for the playoffs every season barring one. Ahead of IPL 2022, CSK had retained MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali and Ruturaj Gaikwad.