Ravindra Jadeja told me MS Dhoni indicated his intention to leave captaincy after IPL 2021: CSK CEO
India Today
IPL 2022, CSK vs KKR: Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan opened up on MS Dhoni's decision to hand over CSK's captaincy to his teammate Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the IPL 2022.
Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan revealed that newly-appointed captain Ravindra Jadeja told him that MS Dhoni had hinted last season that he wanted to quit the captaincy and the India all-rounder would have to take up more responsibilities.
Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain on Wednesday, handing over the baton to Ravindra Jadeja, who will lead the title defense of the 4-time champions in IPL 2022, starting March 26 in Mumbai.
CSK's social media team posted a video on Saturday, where CEO Kasi Vishwanathan was seen talking about Dhoni's decision to leave the CSK captaincy. CSK CEO said that he was surprised over MS Dhoni's sudden relinquishing of the captaincy but added that whatever decision the legendary wicketkeeper takes is in the best interest of the franchise.
“Whatever MS does is in the best interest for the franchise." - Kasi Sir Speaks on #7#8 #Yellove #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/Iih0XBndfl
"When I heard the news, I was a little bit surprised. I didn’t expect that coming from MS at this point in time. That is my personal view. The fact is whatever MS does, as far as CSK is concerned, he will do it in the best interests of the franchise. He is been one of the most important players, a captain, a wicketkeeper, an all-rounder, for CSK. I think whatever he does, whatever decision he takes, will be the right decision for CSK because I know he has the interests of CSK foremost in his mind," Viswanathan said on CSK's YouTube channel.
"I spoke to Jaddu in the evening when we went for practice. He told me that MS had indicated to him last year after IPL that he would have to take on more responsibilities. He had also indicated that at one point, he (Jadeja) may have to take over as captain. The fact that Dhoni is going to be playing alongside him in the matches input, will be helpful for Jaddu (Jadeja) also to get the input from MS. It should be a great help," Viswanathan added.
Releasing a statement, the CSK said that Dhoni will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings this season and beyond. “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,” the CSK statement read.
