Former India batter Jatin Paranjape has lifted the lid on a sensitive behind-the-scenes moment when he and selector MSK Prasad approached MS Dhoni to suggest it was time to hand over white-ball leadership — and how Dhoni responded with characteristic class and team-first thinking.

Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show, Paranjape described a scene that was respectful, direct and ultimately pivotal in transitioning India’s captaincy. The context was simple but profound: Dhoni had already given India everything as a captain, winning the major ICC trophies and shaping an era.

With a new World Cup cycle approaching and Virat Kohli waiting in the wings, the board felt the moment for change had arrived. Paranjape and Prasad planned their approach carefully; they wanted to be dignified and clear-headed when they spoke to Dhoni, who was batting at the nets when they chose to speak.

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“We prepared how to tell him most respectfully,” Jatin Paranjape recalled, explaining that they told Dhoni it felt like the right time to move on. The reply was emblematic of the man’s leadership: an immediate offer to help the team through the handover.

MS Dhoni agreed to formalise his decision in writing — a gesture that smoothed what could have been an awkward transition and ensured there was clarity for everyone involved.

Paranjape stressed that such decisions are never easy and attract scrutiny, but they are part of stewardship at the highest level. The move opened the door for Virat Kohli to take full charge of India’s white-ball future, while Dhoni remained an influential presence to help the squad evolve.

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This anecdote is revealing for two reasons: it shows the human side of elite selection processes and underscores Dhoni’s humility — he chose the team’s long-term interests over personal tenure. For fans and administrators alike, the episode remains a masterclass in how transitions should be handled: with respect, straightforward communication and a focus on what’s best for the team.