CSK vs KKR: 'MS Dhoni Stepped Away At The Right Time'- AB De Villiers

MS Dhoni decided to quit the captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the perfect time, former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers has said ahead of the IPL 2022 edition. The tournament begins from March 26 onwards with the defending champions CSK taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (CSK) in a replay of last year’s final.

On Thursday, CSK released a statement confirming that Dhoni had decided to hand over the reins to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. This will be the first time the Saurashtra all-rounder will captain any side, even in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Asked for his views on the big decision, De Villiers said during a discussion on VUSport Scouts:

“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. 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.”

AB de Villiers will not be seen in action in the IPL 2022, as he retired from all forms of the game after the IPL 2021.

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You have always led by example, captain #MSDhoni Thank you for the incredible memories on and off the field. ? Big shoes to fill in #ravindrajadeja I’m sure you’ll be fantastic in this new role. Congratulations ? #tataipl #yellove #csk #t20season #legend

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– Robin Uthappa (@robinuthappa) 25 Mar 2022

I Am Excited To Watch MS Just Enjoy Himself: AB De Villiers

AB de Villiers also said that he is looking forward to seeing MS Dhoni bat freely, leaving the captaincy worries to Ravindra Jadeja.

He said: “I am excited to watch MS just enjoy himself, to hit those big sixes again. Not to think too much about strategies and having to monitor guys. He can just go out there and hit sixes and entertain the entire world with what he does best, and that is to play cricket and win games.”

Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK has won four IPL titles and is the defending champions in the T20 league.

Also Read: CSK vs KKR: Ravindra Jadeja ‘Good Choice’ As Next Chennai Super Kings Captain: Wasim Jaffer