IPL 2022: Ravindra Jadeja May Have Realised CSK Captaincy Is Not For Him At The Moment, Says Graeme Smith
Published - 01 May 2022, 03:19 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:06 AM
Former South Africa commander Graeme Smith praised Ravindra Jadeja’s choice to step down from the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings, saying the star all-rounder might have understood that captaincy isn’t appropriate for him now of his career. In an unexpected decision, CSK reported on April 30 that Jadeja gave over the captaincy back to MS Dhoni soon after 8 matches into the IPL 2022 season.
CSK said Ravindra Jadeja needed to zero in favoring his game and Dhoni thus acknowledged the solicitation made by the all-rounder. It has been a sensational few weeks for CSK in IPL 2022 as Dhoni had ventured down from the job only 2 days before the new season, giving over the mallet to Jadeja. While the all-rounder was supposed to emerge from Dhoni’s shadows, Jadeja failed to kick off with both bat and ball.
Ravindra Jadeja Made The Correct Decision: Graeme Smith
Jadeja scored only 112 runs in 8 matches in IPL 2022 as CSK won just 2 out of their initial 8 matches. Jadeja didn’t look sharp on the field and was apparently ailing in certainty when he was out in the center.
Addressing Star Sports after CSK’s choice that aided raise many eyebrows, Smith said Jadeja actually has Dhoni to return to and that he trusts the all-rounder can complete the season emphatically by raising his form.
“I think you have got to really focus on Jadeja, he got the captaincy at the late stage going into the tournament. Everyone was questioning whether he had a lot on his plate with the bat, ball, and on the field. And it hasn’t quite worked out,” Smith said.
“He has realized that. He has come to terms with the fact that at this stage, maybe leadership is not for him and he has got a really good guy to fall back on MSD. He has got a huge amount of experience and a calm character. Let’s hope Jaddu can have a great finish to the season with bat and the ball,” he added.
MS Dhoni Has A Lot Of Difficulties To Address: Graeme Smith
Moreover, Smith said Dhoni has a lot of difficulties to address when he assumes control over the reins from Sunday, May 1. The 4-time title-winning captain will lead CSK against SunRisers Hyderabad in a must-dominate game at the MCA Stadium in Pune.
CSK have had a lot of issues as their top-order has been non-consistent and their bowling unit has battled to fire without injured Deepak Chahar. Jadeja’s form in the middle order and with the ball has likewise not helped the 4-time champions’ goal up until this point.
“Definitely no doubt, he (Dhoni) can make an impact. I think the challenges within the squad, he has got to work with them. They have really struggled on a lot of fronts.”
CSK need to win all of their remaining games if they want to stay alive in the tournament.
Also Read: IPL 2022: Irfan Pathan Worried About Ravindra Jadeja As The Latter Steps Down As CSK Captain
