CSK vs KKR: Ravindra Jadeja Felt Nervous As A Skipper Against Kolkata Knight Riders: Matthew Hayden

RavindraJadeja did not get to the best of starts as a captain for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). MS Dhoni passed on the baton just a couple of days ahead of their opening game against CSK. The build-up to the game was huge with CSK having the wood over KKR in the history of the league. But it was KKR who earned a six-wicket in the opening game of IPL 2022.

Amidst all the talk about the captaincy shift from MS Dhoni to Ravindra Jadeja, former CSK opener Matthew Hayden said that the southpaw felt the pressure and was nervous leading the team against KKR. First, he scored 26 off 28 balls with the bat and then bowled a wicketless spell. Dwayne Bravo took three wickets with the ball but ultimately KKR edged past CSK in the game.

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Getting A Little Nervous About CSK: Matthew Hayden

“Even the nervousness they felt with Rav (Ravindra Jadeja) as captain it was so unlike CSK in many ways. I am getting a little nervous about CSK. They have got a new captain, a completely different outfit, some old heads there but there’s also a lot to prove. Also, there’s a lot to make up, especially after the opening night’s performance,” Hayden told Star Sports.

Hayden then pointed out to various key players missing for CSK. He spoke about the absence of Faf du Plessis who forged a great opening partnership with Ruturak Gaikwad in IPL 2021. Gaikwad was dismissed for a duck while Robin Uthappa after looking good for his 28, was out stumped by Sheldon Jackson.

“They have to get on a roll, that top-order. You saw Faf (Faf du Plessis) last year and Ruturaj Gaikwad last year, they have to replicate that somehow. Robin (Uthappa) can’t stop with cameo innings, he has got to be the man who will bat right through the innings for CSK. Some big changes are needed, some big ground to make up for. Some challenging times ahead, I sense” Hayden added.

Jadeja’s captaincy even caught the eye of former Indian head Coach Ravi Shastri who said that he needs to be a little braver after the defeat against KKR. He said that someone needs to guide Jadeja and help him take decisions throughout the season ahead.

“Jadeja, for me, as a captain, has to be a little braver when it comes to when to bowl. Sometimes, as a captain, and when you’re a premier bowler, you tend to hold yourself back. There has to be someone there to tell him, you gotta bowl. You’re good enough to get wickets” Shastri concluded saying.

Also Read: CSK vs KKR: We Will Try To Do Better In Next Game – CSK Captain Ravindra Jadeja After 6-wicket Defeat In The IPL 2022 Opener