IPL2024: AB de Villiers believes that MS Dhoni made a “huge mistake” in relinquishing his captaincy.

South African legend and former RCB star AB de Villiers shared his thoughts on Dhoni’s choice ahead of the much-awaited match. The renowned batter-wicketkeeper was not happy with the call’s timing and called it a “huge mistake.”

On the day of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) launch, MS Dhoni unexpectedly gave up his captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings to Ruturaj Gaikwad. The curtain-raiser match between CSK, the reigning champions, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to begin on March 22 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.

“I’ll be truthful. “I think it was a big mistake for MS Dhoni to step down as captain,” AB de Villiers remarked.

Dhoni guided CSK to five IPL championships.

With the transfer of command, MS Dhoni’s lengthy tenure as CSK captain came to an end. In 2022, Ravindra Jadeja was selected captain of CSK, replacing Dhoni, who had likewise resigned from the position following the tournament’s first season in 2008. But after a few poor outings, the seasoned all-rounder resigned from the position in the middle, giving the wicketkeeper-batter the opportunity to assume the mantle once more. He persisted in leading the Chennai-based team and helped them win the lucrative league’s record-tying sixth championship.

Although Dhoni vowed to return if his body permitted, the title-winning season was expected to be his final one. The captain, who won the World Cup in 2011, is about to participate in another IPL match, which may be his last with CSK.

The cricketer, who was born in Ranchi, has captained CSK in 235 matches and has won titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Chennai also made a record ten final appearances under his direction, including four consecutive years from 2010 to 2013. Additionally, after CSK was suspended because of its owners’ participation in the 2013 IPL betting case, he captained Rising Pune Supergiant for 14 games in 2016 and 2017.