How MS Dhoni declared his decision to step down from CSK captaincy to top management

While talking to Indian Express CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said that it was completely MS's call and they were informed about it on Thursday morning. “He informed us of the decision this morning before the captain’s meeting after talking to the head coach,” Viswanathan told The Indian Express.

“Mr N Srinivasan has given the charge to Dhoni and whatever decision he takes, will always be in the best interest of the franchise. And he has been grooming Gaikwad for the last couple of years on the field as well as outside. Dhoni felt this is the right time to hand over to him as he felt Gaikwad was also ready,” Viswanathan said.

Apparently, Dhoni had been grooming Gaikwad for the captaincy role for a reasonable period of time now. However, the opener didn't know that he will have to assume responsibilities, starting this year itself. It was only recently that the call was conveyed to him, and everyone remained tight-lipped about the same until the official formalities came through. He has led Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy formerly, but will be stepping into the big shoes of the former India captain for the first time in CSK colours. Whilst Dhoni will be around to guide him from behind the stumps, Gaikwad will have to shoulder the major chunk of the responsibility and rightly so too.