New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped down as India’s limited-overs captain yesterday after a trophy-laden nine-year reign.
The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman will stand aside as captain immediately, but will remain available to play in the limited overs series against England later this month.
Dhoni quit Test cricket in late 2014, with India having topped the rankings in the game’s longest format under his inspiring captaincy.
Known initially for his flowing locks and swashbuckling batting, Dhoni was first put in charge of India’s 20-over team which won the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa in 2007.
He soon became their one-day captain and in 2011 he sealed India’s 50-over World Cup victory with a six at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium to etch his name permanently into the country’s cricketing folklore.
Dhoni’s exit as captain, however, was considered just a matter of time. With Virat Kohli excelling as Test captain, the pressure had been mounting on selectors to put the Delhi player in charge across all formats.
The selectors are expected to make Kohli India’s limited-overs captain when they meet tomorrow to pick teams for the one-day and Twenty20 matches against England.
Since taking charge in 2007, Dhoni captained India in 199 one-dayers, winning 110 and losing 74.
He also skippered India in 72 Twenty20 Internationals, with 41 wins and 28 losses.