MS Dhoni to continue playing for CSK beyond IPL 2022 as well- CEO Kasi Viswanathan

MS Dhoni quit as CSK captain and passed the reins to Ravindra Jadeja from IPL 2022 onwards.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that MS Dhoni might have quit as captain of the franchise ahead of the IPL 2022 season and handed over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja, but the keeper-batter will continue to play for the yellow army beyond IPL 15.

Viswanathan confirmed that Dhoni won’t pick and choose games this term and will be a guiding force for the team. “No, I don’t think (this is going to be his last season). He will carry on,” CEO Viswanathan said to Indian Express.

Dhoni stepping down as CSK captain marks the end of an era at one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League. Viswanathan said that it was completely Dhoni’s call, taken two days before the start of this year’s IPL, with an eye to a smooth transition.

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“We have always respected the decision of MS. He has been a pillar of strength for us. He will continue to be a pillar of strength and he will guide Jaddu (Jadeja) and the other members of the team. He is expecting a smooth transition from him to Jaddu and that’s why he has taken the decision. As a captain and player, who has always cared for CSK, he must have taken the decision in the best interest of CSK,” Viswanathan said.

Viswanathan further said that the decision was taken keeping the betterment of CSK in mind. He also added that new captain Ravindra Jadeja will have the guidance of MS Dhoni to ease him into the leadership position.

"See, it is a decision which he has taken looking at the best interest of CSK. Whatever MS Dhoni does, he takes CSK's best interests into account. We are happy with whatever decision he takes. He is handing the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, Dhoni will be playing with the team so the bonding will be there," Kasi Viswanathan told NDTV.

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Talking about Jadeja being made the captain of CSK, the franchise CEO stated: "See, Ravindra Jadeja is probably the best all-rounder right now. He has been with the team and he knows the team culture. He is capable of handling, with Dhoni being there, Jadeja will always have a guiding force behind him. I think it will be a good combination."

Vishwanathan also revealed that MS Dhoni quitting the captaincy of CSK was in talks even before the IPL 2021 season and Ravindra Jadeja was kept in the loop of discussions and he was asked to be ready to take over when the time came.

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

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He [Jadeja] has been talked to earlier. Even last year there was a 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.

Furthermore, the CSK CEO showed confidence in Jadeja as captain and said: "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."

The IPL 2022 will begin on March 26 and CSK will square off against Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament opener.