Back in his first game as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain since giving up the role at the start of IPL 2022, MS Dhoni has stated that the pressure of leading a team has taken its toll on Ravindra Jadeja, and that it has “burdened his prep and performances”
MS Dhoni stepped down from the captaincy of CSK at the start of IPL 2022 and Ravindra Jadeja was chosen to carry the leadership role.
Since Jadeja took on the charge CSK could only manage to pull out 2 victories out of 8 games under the all-rounder’s leadership.
As a result, it was time for MSD to bestow his position and the former Indian skipper took on the charge back in the 9th match.
MS Dhoni comments on Jadeja being the captain of CSK
Speaking to the host broadcaster Star Sports after CSK clinched a 13-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhoni said,
While Jadeja had provided his support, the intention had always been for him to take over as captain this season. Furthermore, MSD stated that he did not want to interfere with Jadeja’s decisions.
“For the first two games, I simply oversaw his work and let him be later. After that, I insisted that he take his own decisions and bear responsibility for them.”
“Once you become captain, it means a lot of demands come in. But it affected his mind as the tasks grew. I think captaincy burdened his prep and performances.
The 40-year-old further added saying
“So it was a gradual transition. Spoon-feeding doesn’t really help the captain, on the field you have to take those crucial decisions and you have to take responsibility for those decisions.”
“Once you become the captain, we have to take care of many things and that also includes your own game.”
The former Indian skipper also mentioned the reason for e decline in the performance of Jadeja. Dhoni said
“I think captaincy burdened his prep and performances.”
Dhoni thought that by relieving Jadeja of the demands of captaincy, the allrounder’s play would improve. Particularly on the field, where Super Kings had been careless, losing several easy catches.
By defeating SRH on Sunday, CSK have still kept their hopes alive to qualify for the playoffs this season. Now, the Super Kings will not only have to win all of their remaining fixtures but will also require the downfall of a few teams to get into the top 4.
CSK will now lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday, 4th May.
