Cricketers payed tributes galore after the legendary MS Dhoni handed over the Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) captaincy baton to their star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Meanwhile, former India skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday (March 24) led the cricketing world in paying rich tributes.
Twelve seasons, four title triumphs and five runner-up finishes later, the iconic Mahendra Singh Dhoni has decided to hand over the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings to his trusted lieutenant, Ravindra Jadeja.
"Legendary captaincy tenure in yellow skip. A chapter fans will never forget. Respect always," Kohli wrote on Twitter.
Kohli too has stepped down from Royal Challengers Bangalore captaincy to manage his workload.
Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel also took to social media to congratulate Dhoni.
"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," Parthiv said.
Former cricketer Kris Srikkanth wrote: "#MSDhoni quits as captain never in a million years did i think it was possible! What a leader."
Former pacer Irfan Pathan also wished Dhoni and hoped he can end his IPL career on a high.
"Timing has always been the key for MS. Well done on your leadership and mind blowing results over the years for CSK. Would like to see him finish on a high," he tweeted.
In a brief statement, CSK said the 40-year-old will continue to represent the franchise for the "season and beyond", having led one of the most successful IPL sides since the tournament's inception in 2008 -- barring the two seasons when the team was suspended in the wake of the spot-fixing scandal.
"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," said CSK in a statement on Thursday.
"Dhoni will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings this season and beyond," the franchise added.
Dhoni, 40, who had announced his international retirement on August 15, 2020, had led CSK to their fourth title last season.
CSK play KKR in the IPL 2022 opener here on Saturday.
"Feeling good but at the same time I need to fill in big boots," said Jadeja in a video shared by CSK on twitter.
"Like Mahi bhai has already set a big legacy and we need to carry it forward, so hopefully I will. And I don't need to worry too much because he's here and whatever question I need to ask, I'll definitely go to him.
"He was my go to person and he still is today, so I'm not worried too much," he added.
India's World Cup-winning captain Dhoni has always been his own man when it comes to leaving captaincy or announcing his retirement.
