Former India opener Kris Srikkanth expressed shock at the unforeseen decision of MS Dhoni to step down as the Chennai Super Kings captain, the decision announced by the franchise on Thursday, two days ahead of CSK’s opening game of IPL 2022 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Superstar all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been given the captaincy duties and it was Dhoni himself who made both the calls, the franchise said in their statement.
“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,” read a statement from CSK.
Just like everyone, Chennai-born Kris Srikkanth too was left in utter surprise at Dhoni relinquishing his position months after leading CSK to their fourth IPL title last season in the UAE.
As the news seeped in everyone, eulogies started to come out from all corners for Dhoni, who led CSK and the Rising Pune Supergiant team in 204 IPL games, winning 121 of those; he marched CSK to four IPL titles and 2 Champions League trophies.
Srikkanth too lauded the astonishing legacy that Dhoni has left behind as CSK’s figurehead over the past decade-and-half. He hailed CSK as the best team “by a mile” in IPL history.
“#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!” Srikkanth tweeted soon after the announcement.
#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!
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) March 24, 2022
Although Mumbai Indians have won one more IPL trophy than CSK it came in two more seasons when CSK were banned in 2016 and 2017. Also, CSK are regarded the most consistent side in the IPL, having made it through the playoffs in 11 seasons out of the 12 that they participated in.
