CSK vs PBKS: MS Dhoni Told Me A Few Months Ago For Captaincy, I Was Ready To Lead CSK - Ravindra Jadeja

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ravindra Jadeja said MS Dhoni is supporting him with his inputs for the captaincy role and denied any kind of pressure on him. Defending champions CSK suffered their third loss in a row in IPL 2022, a very rare thing to see.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated CSK by 54 runs at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was the leading run-scorer of IPL 2021, continued with his low strings of scores. Gaikwad nicked behind the stumps off Kagiso Rabada’s bowling in the second over.

CSK lost its first matches in IPL 2022

Despite Shivam Dube’s brisk half-century, CSK were way far from their target, the CSK all-rounder scored 57 in 30 balls, including six fours and three sixes, at an impressive strike rate of 190.

In a trend where teams are winning by chasing the target in IPL 2022, this was the third game in a row that a side won while defending the total. PBKS bowled out the four-time IPL champions for a paltry score of 126 in 18 overs. This was the second instance since 2018 when CSK’s innings got folded up.

MS Dhoni does give his inputs: Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja, who replaced Dhoni as the new captain of the team, said he was mentally prepared to lead the side and also receives the support of the CSK wicketkeeper-batter in terms of captaincy advice.

“I have been preparing since Dhoni bhai told me a few months ago for captaincy – mentally I was ready to lead and I don’t have pressure. Dhoni bhai does give his inputs. We are lucky to have him,” Jadeja said in the post-match press conference.

“I am only following my instinct. I was preparing for that. Mentally, I was prepared to lead. I don’t have any pressure on me. I was looking to back up my instincts; I was thinking of going with whatever thoughts came into my mind,” he added.

Just two days ahead of IPL 2022, Dhoni stunned the cricket fraternity with his decision to quit the captaincy role and pass the baton to Jadeja. CSK will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their next fixture on April 9 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Also Read: CSK vs PBKS: CSK Won’t Panic: Sam Curran On Chennai’s Third Defeat In IPL 2022