Chennai Super Kings captain Ravindra Jadeja with MS Dhoni.
Ravindra Jadeja CSK is feeling the heat at the start of his captaincy stint but he is happy to rely on MS Dhoni’s calm mind in high-pressure situations, even allowing him to field outside the circle gives.
The defending champions have lost all their three matches this season. less than a week ago IPL Dhoni handed over the captaincy to opener Jadeja on 26 March.
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 a catch at deep mid-wicket and we thought it would be better to have a good fielder there.” So, I wasn’t able to communicate much with the bowlers,” Jadeja said in a post-match press conference following his team’s 54-run defeat to Punjab Kings on Sunday.
“But Mahi bhai gives inputs, it’s good, he is so experienced so we don’t have to look anywhere else for advice. He is a legend, and has been captaining for so many years, that experience is in our dressing room. So we are lucky that we 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 have been preparing for captaincy since I was told a few months back. Mentally I was ready to lead, there was no pressure on me, supported my instincts, just thinking and my mind Whatever idea comes to me, I go for it.”
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 comes, everyone in the team is experienced. And knows his 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 take a decision after 1-2 matches. 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 is strong. Will be.”
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 powerplays. We are missing Deepak. As far as Ruturaj’s form is concerned, we are not under pressure. We’re still giving him time.”