IPL 2022: 'I Didn't Expect That Coming From MS Dhoni At This Point'- CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan
Published - 26 Mar 2022, 03:10 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:06 AM
MS Dhoni sent shockwaves across the cricket fraternity ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2022) season, as he stepped down as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and handed over the leadership to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan said that even he was surprised.
Ravindra Jadeja was named the new skipper of the side and will begin his captaincy tenure with the opening game of the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) against Kolkata Knight Riders later tonight. MS Dhoni captained CSK from 2008-2021 winning four IPL titles for the yellow army and two Champions League T20 trophies as well.
CEO Kasi Viswanathan, in a video posted on Chennai Super Kings’ official YouTube channel, admitted that he was “surprised” and didn’t “expect” Dhoni to step down as a skipper at this point.
“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 will 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, it will be helpful for Jaddu (Jadeja) also to get the inputs from MS. It should be a great help,” Viswanathan said.
“When I heard the news, I was a little bit surprised. I didn’t expect that coming from MS at this point of 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,” he added.
There’s No Change, MS Is Always There: Kasi Viswanathan
MS Dhoni is the longest-tenured captain in IPL history having captained the CSK team for more than 200 matches and has a winning percentage of almost 60%. Now Ravindra Jadeja will be leading the team and Vishwanathan said that MS Dhoni will guide Jadeja, for whom it will be first-time captaincy a franchise in the tournament.
“Dhoni has come up with a decision which, though it may not be very sweet for others, will be very good for the franchise. There’s no change, MS is always there. He’s going to be there, guiding not only Jaddu but also the CSK fans, as well as the CSK team. We can always look for a good future for CSK. He’s done the right thing now, handing over the captaincy to Jaddu, who is probably one of the most consistent players in CSK over the past eight years. It will be a good change for CSK,” added Viswanathan.
Chennai Super Kings have won the Indian Premier League in 2010,2011, 2018, and 2021.
