In a shocking decision, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has informed the BCCI, that he wishes to step down as the captain of the Indian Cricket Team from the One Day Internationals and the T20 Internationals formats of the game.
He will be available for the selection in both ODI and T20 format. For a long time, there has been speculations about how long MS Dhoni will continue as the captain of the limited over squads in light of Virat Kohli’s success in the longer format. By suddenly announcing this decision, Dhoni has silenced his critics and shut down all the rumours in his own inimitable way.
Mr Rahul Johri, Chief Executive Officer of the BCCI said, “On the behalf of every Indian cricket fan and the BCCI, I would like to thank MS Dhoni for his outstanding contribution as the captain of the Indian team across all formats. Under his leadership, Indian team has touched new heights and his achievements will remain etched forever in the annals of Indian cricket.”
Dhoni captained India in 199 ODIs and 72 T20Is and led the country to their second ODI World Cup in 2011 and into the semi-finals of the 2015 World Cup. India also won the inaugural World T20 under Dhoni’s leadership. In ODIs, India also clinched the Champions trophy in 2013 under his leadership. Just based on mere statistics, MS Dhoni is India’s successful captain so far and a glorious chapter in country’s cricketing history has come to an end. The only consolation is that a worthy successor in Virat Kohli is waiting in the wings to take over the reigns of captaincy. Also MS Dhoni will still be playing the game and fans will hope that unburdened by the shackles of captaincy, Dhoni will show his trademark Mahi style of cricket at the twilight of his career.
