'Big shoes to fill' - Twitter reacts as Ravindra Jadeja replaces MS Dhoni as CSK captain

In what can be called a shocking development, Ravindra Jadeja has replaced MS Dhoni as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Notably, Dhoni had been CSK’s full-time skipper ever since the inception of the competition in 2008. In his absence, former batter Suresh Raina led the yellow army in few encounters.

Hence, Jadeja becomes only the second full-time captain of the CSK franchise. The all-rounder has been on a roll lately and his IPL record is impressive as well. Moreover, he has been associated with the CSK side since the 2012 season. As Raina is no longer a part of CSK, MS Dhoni handed over the reins to Jadeja. The same was confirmed by CSK’s official website. It must be noted that Dhoni will continue to serve the team as a wicketkeeper-batter.

MS Dhoni hasn’t contributed much with the bat in past two IPL seasons

For the unversed, Jadeja was CSK’s first retention ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction as the four-time champions splashed a whooping INR 16 crore to keep his services. Dhoni, on the other hand, was the side’s second retention as he received a sum of INR 12 crore. Notably, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who retired from international cricket in August 2020, hasn’t made his bat talk much in the last couple of IPL seasons.

In fact, the 2020 season saw CSK failing to qualify for the playoffs for the very first time. Nevertheless, the Chennai-based side roared back and clinched the title in the 2021 season. Jadeja was instrumental in taking the side to the glory as he put up one match-winning performance after another. Although Dhoni couldn’t do much with the bat in the 14th season , his decision-making and précised strategies worked in the team’s favour.

Meanwhile, CSK, who will hunt for their fifth title in IPL 2022, will kick-start their campaign against last season’s runners-up Kolkata Knight Riders in the season opener on March 26.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitter reacted to MS Dhoni handing over the charge to Ravindra Jadeja:

Mahendra bahubali gives up the crown. He'll now only serve the kingdom.

— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) March 24, 2022

Don't think anybody other than MSD can do good with the bowling attack we have lol.

— Manya (@CSKian716) March 24, 2022

Meet @ChennaiIPL's new captain – @imjadeja🔥#RavindraJadeja #CSK #IPL #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/pOTbbQzvEg

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 24, 2022

It is going to be so weird not seeing Dhoni and Kohli walking out for CSK vs RCB toss. Used to be a wholesome moment.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) March 24, 2022

MS Dhoni as captain in IPL history:

Matches – 204
Wins – 121
Lost – 82
No Rest – 1
Win percentage – 59.60

4 time IPL winning captain
2 time CL T20 winning captain

Thank you, captain. pic.twitter.com/EQk13ZqxNm

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 24, 2022

Thank you for everything MS. Nobody could have done more than what you achieved for CSK. The one and forever Thala! 💛 pic.twitter.com/0KfWz7Wvwc

— Manya (@CSKian716) March 24, 2022

Legend. Icon. Leader 🙌#MSD

— Rupin Kale (@Vegansportlover) March 24, 2022

With #MSDhoni seeing captaincy potential in Ravindra Jadeja should he not be the vice captain of india ahead of kl Rahul? #IPL2022

— Cricfan (@Cricfan71845) March 24, 2022

The most selfless cricketer I have ever seen. He is always thinking about the team before himself.

He could have scored tons of run at 1-2 down, but sacrificed that position to become a finisher for team sake.

This man @msdhoni is a living legend#csk #msdhoni #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/JBrOGzkQ6k

— 𝕐𝔸ℤ𝔻𝔸ℕ (@Yazdan__) March 24, 2022

As much i'm happy for #RavindraJadeja , it feels so sad the GOAT captain #MSDhoni won't be seen as captain anywhere from now.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING MAHI BHAI. LEGEND! 👑#CSK𓃬 #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/FsvhY7TvlO

— Sarthak (@sarthakkpadhii) March 24, 2022

Thala, You will always be our Captain cool @msdhoni. Leader and Inspiration forever!!

Over to Jadeja to lead @ChennaiIPL 💛#Dhoni #MSDhoni #WhistlePodu

— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) March 24, 2022

This is so like @msdhoni when no one expects than he does something like this. Luckily no one was asking him to step down from captaincy but still shows his greatness..@imjadeja all the best dude, u have big shoes to fill

— Andy Hicks (@Prof_hicks) March 24, 2022