The captaincy transition from MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli across formats was a marquee moment of Indian cricket in 2017.

Dhoni had already quit Test captaincy in 2014. But in 2017, the change became complete. The move, it is now revealed, was driven by the Board of Control for Cricket in India selection committee. They informed Dhoni that it was time for a transition. He was also asked to confirm his decision through an email.

Former selector Jatin Paranjpe recalled the moment on The Great Indian Cricket Show. He and then chief selector MSK Prasad had to break the news.

“Mahi was batting,” Paranjpe said. “He batted for almost an hour. MSK and I kept looking at each other. We had planned how to say it respectfully. Then we told him, ‘Mahi, we think this is the right time to move on.’”

There was no argument. No hesitation.

According to Paranjpe, Dhoni agreed immediately. “He told MSK, ‘Anna, this is the perfect decision. Tell me what you want from me.’ We asked him to put it in writing.”

That same night, the email arrived. Dhoni wrote that he wished to step down. The selectors knew the decision would draw criticism. But they believed it was necessary.

Paranjpe also revealed Dhoni’s assurance regarding Kohli. “He said, ‘Don’t worry. I will fully support Virat. He is like my brother. I will share all my experience. We will build a strong team.’”

At that time, Dhoni was 35. He had already achieved everything in white-ball cricket. He led India to the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. The transition marked the end of an era.