Just 2 days before the start of the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), MS Dhoni shocked the cricketing fraternity and announced his decision to step down as Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) captain. Given that he was CSK’s only full-time captain from 2008 to 2021, Dhoni was expected to keep the top job till the time he plays.
But with an eye on the future, the India legend decided to make way for CSK’s first-choice retention, Ravindra Jadeja. The star all-rounder has never led an IPL team and will be making his captaincy debut in the opening game of the tournament against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday (March 26).
Many cricket experts have shared their take on Dhoni’s decision, with a former player opining that he might not play the league next year. Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has also opined on Dhoni’s decision and said that he stepped down at the right time.
An IPL legend, de Villiers played for Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2011 to 2021. He was part of Delhi Capitals from 2008 to 2010.
“I am not surprised by MS’ move. I am actually quite happy for him. Having carried that burden for so long, people might think that it is easy to be captain, but it really wears you down. You have sleepless nights sometimes, especially when you don’t have good seasons,” he told VUSports.
“But I think he stepped away at exactly the right time, having won the last IPL. The season before the last would have hurt him a lot. To come back and win the trophy and then say ‘I’ll still play but someone else takes over and I’ll be there to support’, it’s the perfect move.”
Dhoni captained CSK to 4 IPL title wins. CSK became a dominant force under his captaincy and qualified for the 2nd round in 11 out of 12 seasons. Going into the new season, Jadeja has his task cut out and has big shoes to fill. He has been part of the Yellow Army since 2012.
