End of an era is a term used quite loosely nowadays. But if the term needed a perfect example, MS Dhoni quitting the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captaincy on Thursday can’t be far away. Right from the inaugural IPL in 2008, Dhoni and CSK fans made an emotional connect, and it played a big part in Dhoni achieving the superhero status over the years.
Suitable successor
Dhoni chose Ravindra Jadeja as his successor, announced the franchise in a statement. Ask Pune lad Kedar Jadhav, who played a lot under Dhoni at the international level as well as at CSK, and he explains what made Dhoni arguably India’s greatest captain. “He has achieved everything. The T20 World Cup, 50-over World Cup, IPL, Champions Trophy. I think he has chosen the right time,” Jadhav told mid-day.
Kedar Jadhav
Jadeja’s maturity, a factor
“I also think he has made the best choice for his successor. Jaddu is the best all-rounder in the world on current form. The kind of maturity he has shown in the recent times, he is the perfect choice,” Jadhav added. Having quit as the international Test captain in 2014 and as the white-ball captain in 2017, franchise cricket was the only time when one could still watch the shrewdness of Dhoni as a leader. Having led CSK to four IPL titles and two Champions League honours, he will undoubtedly go down as one of the legends of franchise cricket.
Approachable captain
Lots of players have spoken about Dhoni’s ability to build a unit, and Jadhav explained the things that stood out for him about the man from Ranchi. “As a skipper, he was very approachable, irrespective of whether you were a senior player or junior player. He was always available for a chat, on as well as off the field. That made the dressing room atmosphere light,” Jadhav said. “He also knew how to get the best out of his teammates. The players were willing to do anything for him, he commanded that kind of respect,” Jadhav added.
Dhoni led CSK in 231 games (IPL and Champions League combined), and won 130 of those matches. Apart from the stats, of which he himself is not a great fan, Dhoni has often been praised for his reading of the game. “He was an instinctive captain. He wasn’t someone who would prepare very hard, but he read the game very well,” Jadhav added. Like Jadeja himself acknowledged during his chat with CSK’s official website, he indeed has big shoes to fill.Chennai Super Kings take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL-15 opener at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.
Tweet talk
Virat Kohli@imVkohli: Legendary captaincy tenure in yellow skip. A chapter fans will never forget. Respect always. @msdhoni
Suresh Raina@ImRaina: Absolutely thrilled for my brother. I can’t think of anyone better to take over the reins of a franchise we both had grown up in. All the best @imjadeja . It’s an exciting phase and I’m sure you will live up to all the expectations and love #yellow #csk #WhistlePodu
Michael Vaughan@MichaelVaughan: Can think of a better replacement skipper for MS Dhoni than the Rockstar @imjadeja !! #IPL2022
Kris Srikkanth@KrisSrikkanth: #MSDhoni quits as captain never in a million years did i think it was possible! What a leader @msdhoni has been and what a legacy he leaves for @imjadeja to carry the baton of the best team in the Ipl by a mile @ChennaiIPL!
Abhinav mukund @mukundabhinav: Like with all decisions, @msdhoni has sprung up a surprise to step down as captain of #CSK Big boots to fill in for #RavindraJadeja, who is in the form of his life though! All the best for the new role @ravindrajadeja #IPL2022
Parthiv Patel@parthiv9: As always with #MSDhoni, the timing of his decision is superb. Great way to pass the baton and #jadeja can learn a lot when #Dhoni is still around behind the wickets. #captainforever #Dhonism #IPL2022
