Inside Story: 'Move on' – How BCCI nudged MS Dhoni to quit captaincy and hand over to Virat Kohli
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 14, 2026
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) played a pivotal role in orchestrating the smooth transition of MS Dhoni stepping down as India's full-time captain across formats in 2017. The decision was initiated by the BCCI selection committee, who approached Dhoni with the proposal to hand over the reins to Virat Kohli. This move came after Dhoni had already stepped down as Test captain in 2014 and had achieved unparalleled success in white-ball cricket, leading India to victories in the T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013).
The process was handled with sensitivity, as recalled by former selector Jatin Paranjpe. Dhoni was batting during a crucial moment, and Paranjpe, along with MSK Prasad, prepared to inform him of the decision in the most respectful way possible. They approached Dhoni and suggested it was time for a change, to which he responded positively, acknowledging that it was indeed the right move. The BCCI requested Dhoni to formalize his decision via email, and he complied without resistance, stepping down formally late that night.
The transition marked a significant shift in Indian cricket leadership, with Kohli taking over as the new captain. Dhoni assured complete support for Kohli, viewing him as a brother and committing to help him succeed. Despite criticism at the time, the decision was seen as a tough but necessary step to ensure India's long-term success on the field. This episode highlights the strategic decisions made by the BCCI to maintain competitive balance and adapt to evolving cricket dynamics, showcasing Dhoni's sportsmanship and Kohli's readiness to lead.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026