Veteran wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni has relinquished his leadership duties ahead of IPL 2022. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will take over the reins of Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming season.

Reacting to the development, Aakash Chopra stated that the 15th edition of the IPL will be MS Dhoni’s last season in the cash-rich league. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out that Dhoni might not have wanted Chennai to retain him ahead of last month’s IPL 2022 auction, as he could hang up his boots this year.

He said:

“MS Dhoni has declared that he is no longer the king and he will now only be a person in the kingdom who’ll serve the king. But the reality is that he is the king and the captain. He is the king of CSK. It is almost confirmed now that he won’t play next year.”

The 44-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator added:

“Earlier this year too, I’m sure he did not want the franchise to retain him as spending money on retaining him would not have made the team stronger, as he may not be there for next season. This is why he asked Jadeja to be the first retainee, as he might not stay if he is not given ₹16 crore.”

MS Dhoni has been the skipper of Chennai Super Kings right through all the IPL seasons the franchise has participated. Under his leadership, CSK has registered a record 121 wins in 204 matches in the IPL.

With Dhoni as the captain, CSK also hoisted the IPL trophy on four occasions – 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021. Moreover, CSK also ended up as the runners-up on five occasions – 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2019.