Chennai Super Kings made a shocking announcement right before their maiden IPL 2022 match by naming Ravindra Jadeja as their new captain for the IPL 2022 season by replacing MS Dhoni.
CSK and MS Dhoni share a special bond that no words can explain. Since CSK’s debut in IPL 2008, MS Dhoni leads the side for 12 seasons and won 4 trophies for them. Though CSK had many changes in their 12-year-long IPL career, MS Dhoni remains the core of the team.
Ahead of the season, CSK made this announcement and drops a bomb over the cricket community. Inspite of his lack of experience as a captain, Jadeja was given the duties to lead the side, and yet did not live up to the expectations, with CSK winning just two out of the first eight games.
In such a situation, CSK made another twist by renaming MS Dhoni as their captain. Though it creates a lot of controversies in and around the cricket community, MS Dhoni explains the exact reason for the captaincy change.
Shane Watson Feels Sorry for Jadeja
Former CSK all-rounder Shane Watson felt ‘a bit sorry‘ for Ravindra Jadeja, whose extra responsibility of captaincy affected his performance. Jadeja has managed just five wickets and 116 runs from 10 matches this season.
“When I had initially heard that Jadeja was going to take over, I was blown away! Because everyone knows the kind of respect and aura that MS Dhoni has on the field, it was always going to be difficult for Jadeja no matter what. In the end I do feel a little bit sorry for Jadeja because he is a great cricketer and is only getting better,” said Watson on The Grade Cricketer podcast.
The Australian recalled his own exit as RR skipper back in 2015.
“But to see that they publicly sort of put him in that position, he really didn’t have to get to that stage. I stepped down as a captain for Rajasthan so I know how difficult it is when you are under pressure, so kudos to Jadeja for making that call,” the 40-year-old said.
Watson continued, saying that Dhoni was the man to lead the franchise.
“Even though Jadeja was told that he would potentially take over, things do change. If MS wants to play on, he can absolutely do whatever he wants. He has led CSK to another championship.
Also deep down he had a point to prove in his batting and he showed that this season. The whole franchise is built around MS, whether it’s just the leadership structure, team dynamics. He is the man to lead the franchise,” Watson opined.
MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings will face Delhi Capitals to play their next league match on May 8 in Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai.
