It Is Similar To When MS Dhoni Handed Virat Kohli The Captaincy: CSK CEO Explains Ravindra Jadeja's Appointment As New CSK Skipper

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan explained that MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy reins to Ravindra Jadeja as the former wanted a smooth transition in the team.

On Thursday, Dhoni stepped down from CSK’s captaincy post after leading the four-time IPL champions in 213 IPl matches across 12 seasons of IPL. CSK won four IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018 & 2021) and two Champions League T20 trophies (2010  and 2014).

MS Dhoni felt it is the right time to hand over the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja: Kasi Viswanathan

Dhoni had stepped down from the Indian team’s captaincy role from all formats in January 2017 and Virat Kohli was named his successor. Viswanathan said that Dhoni was planning to complete this move for a long time and the franchise CEO compared the decision to that of in 2017.

“MS Dhoni was thinking about it. He felt it is the right time to hand over captaincy to Jaddu [Jadeja]. He feels Jaddu is also in prime form of his career and it is the ideal time for him lead CSK. What will be good for the franchise must be [in the] back of his mind,” Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo. 

“He [Jadeja] has been talked to earlier. Even last year there was proposal. We knew he would be the best person to succeed MS. It is similar to when he handed Virat the captaincy after having groomed him for a few years at the international level. Similarly, he wanted the transition to be smooth,” he added. 

Ravindra Jadeja has the potential to do well for CSK: Kasi Viswanathan

Jadeja has never before experienced any leadership role apart from being the vice-captain to Virat Kohli during the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup in Malaysia. Viswanathan is confident that the Saurashtra all-rounder will do well as the leader of the team with Dhoni around him on the pitch.

“Jaddu has the potential to do well for the franchise. He is a good all-round cricketer, playing his best, he can get the team around. And MS’ guidance will always be there. This will be a good induction program,” Viswanathan said. 

Defending IPL champions CSK will play its first match of IPL 2022 against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Also Read: IPL 2022: I Need To Carry Forward MS Dhoni’s Big Legacy With CSK – Ravindra Jadeja