IPL 2024: AB de Villiers feels MS Dhoni's captaincy handover a 'huge mistake'

In an astonishing plot twist, MS Dhoni relinquished the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings and handed it over to Ruturaj Gaikwad on the eve of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) opener. CSK, the defending champions, will face off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the curtain raiser scheduled to commence on March 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, South African legend and former RCB player AB de Villiers revealed his take on Dhoni’s decision. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter was far from impressed with the timing of the call, observing it as a "huge mistake."

"I will be honest. I feel MS Dhoni stepping down as captain is a huge mistake," said De Villiers.

Dhoni led CSK to five IPL titles

As MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy, it marked an end to the 42-year-old's long stint as CSK skipper. Dhoni, who was appointed as CSK captain in the tournament's inaugural edition in 2008, had also stepped away from the role in 2022 with Ravindra Jadeja named as captain. However, the veteran all-rounder stepped down from the position midway after a few unfavourable performances as the wicketkeeper-batter took back the leadership role. He continued to lead the Chennai-based franchise and guided them to clinch the record-equalling fifth title in the cash-rich league.

The title-winning campaign was anticipated as Dhoni's farewell season but he vowed to return if his body allowed. The 2011 World Cup-winning captain is now poised to play another IPL, which could be his final with CSK.

The Ranchi-born cricketer has led CSK in 235 games, leading them to the titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Under his leadership, Chennai also reached the final a record 10 times, including four years in a row, from 2010 to 2013. In addition, he captained Rising Pune Supergiant for 14 games in 2016 and 2017 when CSK was banned due to the involvement of its owners in the 2013 IPL betting case.

Also Read: Last year itself Mahi bhai had hinted me about captaincy at some point of time: Ruturaj Gaikwad