IPL 2022: MS Dhoni hands over Chennai captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja

In the surprising turn of events, Chennai's most beloved son - Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has left Chennai Super Kings' captaincy. This development has come just two days ahead of their curtain-raiser clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, scheduled for Saturday (March 25). 

In the official statement by the franchise, CSK stated, "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."

India's two-time World Cup-winning captain has chosen the star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as his successor. Notably, the Super Kings retained Jadeja as their first-picked player ahead of Dhoni. 

Dhoni, who is known to be the sharpest tactical mind in the cricketing world, led the Chennai-based team since the inaugural edition of the IPL and served CSK for 12 long years with distinction. However, this edition would be the first time - except MS' time at Pune (when CSK got banned) - when Chennai's most beloved son won't be leading them.

Over the years, the legendary keeper-batter took CSK to new heights with outstanding leadership skills. During Dhoni's tenure, the Chennai-based franchise won 4 IPL and 2 CL T20 titles. 

Furthermore, they managed to qualify for the playoffs every year, barring 2020, which made them the most consistent IPL side. The legend is expected to provide valuable insights to the newly appointed skipper Ravindra Jadeja, just as he groomed Virat Kohli when he stepped down from India's captaincy.