Dhoni’s reign as limited overs captain is over

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

India wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni has given up the limited overs captaincy ahead of the upcoming series against England, which begins on January 15.

It is understood Dhoni conveyed his decision to chairman of selectors MSK Prasad in Nagpur as they had a long talk during the tea break of Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy semi-final clash with Gujarat.

“We all know his sense of integrity and patriotism, and he has got high clarity in thinking,” Prasad told ESPNcricinfo. “Probably he felt that is the best decision, so let us respect it.”

Despite stepping down as captain, Dhoni will still be available for selection, according to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It is also likely that Virat Kohli will take over as captain.

“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,” BCCI chief executive Rahul Johri said. “Under his leadership, Indian team has touched new heights and his achievements will remain etched forever in the annals of Indian cricket.”

Dhoni, who handed over the Test captaincy to Kohli upon retiring from the format in December 2014, has been India’s ODI and Twenty20 captain since 2007.

In the time that Dhoni has been in charge of the national team, India have won the 2007 World T20, 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy.

All in all, Dhoni captained India in 199 ODIs and tasted victory in 110 of them, while losing 74. Four of the ODIs ended as ties, while 11 more finished with no result. He also led them in 72 Twenty20 Internationals, 41 of which India won and 28 they lost. One match concluded as a tie, while no result was possible from two other games.