Ravindra Jadeja is feeling the heat in his captaincy debut at CSK, but he is happy that MS Dhoni’s cool head has to rely on in high-pressure situations, even as he fielded outside the circle. Permission granted. The defending champions have lost all their three matches this season.
On March 26, less than a week before the IPL opener, Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Jadeja.
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However, it appears that Dhoni remains part of the on-field decision making from behind the stumps, allowing Jadeja, one of the best fielders in the world, to stand in the deep.
In the match against Lucknow Super Giants, it looked like Dhoni was calling the shot towards the end when he bowled the ball to Shivam Dube in the 19th over.
“No, the last match (against LSG) was a high scoring game so there are chances of taking a catch at deep midwicket and we thought it would be better to have a good fielder. So, I wasn’t able to communicate much with the bowlers,” Jadeja said in a post-match press conference after their 54-run loss to Punjab Kings on Sunday.
“But Mahi bhai gives inputs, it is good, he is so experienced so we don’t have to look anywhere else for advice. He is a legend, and having captained for so many years, this experience is in our dressing room, so we are fortunate to have got his advice.”
Despite a disappointing start to his captaincy, Jadeja insisted that he felt ready to lead the team when he was briefed about his new role.
“I am preparing for captaincy as I was told a few months back. Mentally I was ready to lead, no pressure on me, supported my instincts, just thinking and I go for whatever comes to my mind.”
CSK fell short of their third loss of the season but Jadeja is confident that a win could turn things around for the four-time champions.
“T20 cricket requires only one match to gain momentum and then the winning streak starts. We are looking for that one win.
“Once that happens, everyone in the team is experienced and knows their role. We are working hard to get into the rhythm and look forward to the completion of our plans.”
CSK are without their lead pacer Deepak Chahar, who is injured. In his absence, the team is supporting good player Mukesh Chaudhary.
“We can’t judge after 1-2 games. We need to support the players. Deepak is our main bowler, we hope he can join us soon. When he comes, the team’s bowling unit will be strong.”
Jadeja admitted that his team has not been able to do well in the powerplays, adding that there is no pressure on out-of-form opener Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“It is always important to take early wickets in the Powerplays. As a bowling unit, we have to take 2-3 wickets in the powerplay. We are missing Deepak.
“As far as Ruturaj’s form is concerned, we are not creating pressure. We are still giving him time.”
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