In a
surprise move, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stepped down as limited overs captain
of the Indian cricket team, thereby drawing curtains to his glorious leadership
career.
The BCCI on Wednesday said in a statement
that Dhoni has informed the Board that he wishes to step down as the captain of
the Indian cricket team from the One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals.
While expressing his desire to quit
captaincy, Dhoni however conveyed to the selection committee that he will be
available for selection for the three ODIs and as many T20s against England
starting January 15.
Commenting on Dhoni's sudden announcement,
Rahul Johri, Chief Executive Officer of the BCCI said, "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.
"Under his leadership, the Indian
team has touched new heights and his achievements will remain etched forever in
the annals of Indian cricket."
Dhoni, 35, had earlier suddenly quit Test
captaincy during the Australia tour in 2014 in Melbourne.
Dhoni has been India's most successful
captain. Under his leadership India have won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the
ICC ODI World Cup in 2011, ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and also reached the
top of the Test rankings in 2009.
India's Test skipper Virat Kohli is likely
to take over captaincy of the limited overs team following Dhoni's decision.
