IPL 2022: MS Dhoni steps down as CSK skipper, Ravindra Jadeja to lead

MS Dhoni had led Chennai Super Kings for 12 seasons since IPL 2008. It would be Ravindra Jadeja's first stint as CSK skipper.

Image credit: BCCI

Former Indian skipper and legend MS Dhoni has decided to step down as the skipper of the four-time defending champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will replace him. CSK confirmed the development on Thursday, thus ending Dhoni's 13-year glorious stint as CSK skipper.

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Confirming in a statement, CSK said, "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."

Image credit: BCCI

Dhoni had been leading CSK since the inception of the IPL in 2008. Under his leadership, the side won four IPL titles and a couple of Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) titles. He did not play or lead CSK between 2016-17, owing to the franchise's suspension from the IPL, as he moved to Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), where he led the side in IPL 2016.

Image credit: BCCI

Notably, it would only be Dhoni's second season as a player in IPL, having done the same for RPS in IPL 2017. As he prepares to play as a wicketkeeper-batter for CSK for the first time, he will be looking to make an impact with the bat. His numbers for CSK are phenomenal, having scored 4,172 runs in 192 matches at an average of 40.90.

Image credit: BCCI

Earlier, legendary former Indian Little Master Sunil Gavaskar had backed Jadeja for the role. "The way Ravindra Jadeja has matured as a player over the last few years, the way he is adjusting as far as his game is concerned and the way he reads match situations has been fantastic. If MS Dhoni decides to take a break in the odd game, I won't be surprised if the mantle of captaincy will be handed over to Jadeja," he had told Star Sports.