IPL 2022: 'To-be Captain Ravindra Jadeja Should've Been Involved In Mega-auction: Former CSK All-rounder

Chennai Super Kings veteran MS Dhoni on Sunday denoted his re-visitation of captaincy with an easy success over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Dhoni, who has driven the franchise to four IPL titles, was once again in charge of undertakings after Ravindra Jadeja ventured down from the job halfway through the season.

Dhoni said Ravindra Jadeja’s all-around form appeared to have impacted his game which prompted the captaincy changeover. Curiously, Dhoni had left the place of captain two days before the beginning of the tournament, and his comeback brings up issues over the team’s decision-making with regard to tracking down the right skipper.

The Inconsistent Decision Making Is A Surprising Factor For Me: Irfan Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who was a member of the Chennai outfit in 2015, showered acclaim on the team management’s work. In any case, he accepts Jadeja ought to have been a part of the auction assuming that Dhoni had previously chosen to give up the reins to the all-rounder.

“Of course, I was surprised (by CSK’s decision). They made Jadeja the captain just two days before the start of this year’s IPL… which was also a surprise. Because if Dhoni had made up his mind to leave the captaincy, to-be captain Jadeja should’ve been involved in the auction.

“If Dhoni’s exit was a last-moment decision, it means Jadeja wasn’t involved in the auction. And Jadeja is captaining for the first time despite playing in the IPL for years,” Irfan told Jatin Sapru on the latter’s YouTube channel.

“Chennai Super Kings are one of the best franchises as they take good care of their players. Every player on the squad remains equal for this franchise. The inconsistent decision-making is a surprising factor for me,” he added.

I Want To See How Ravindra Jadeja The Player Fares This Season: Irfan Pathan

Irfan further said the franchise went overboard cash on Ravindra Jadeja as it believed that he should be a part of the main pack. Jadeja was Chennai’s No. 1 retailer for ₹16 crores followed by Dhoni for ₹12 crores, before the February mega auction.

“He was retained ahead of Dhoni. CSK had thought of investing in him as No. 1 retention because they wanted him to be the captain as well. Rashid Khan didn’t stay in Sunrisers Hyderabad as he wasn’t the first-choice retention. 

“Even if it’s his own decision to step down, Jadeja should’ve talked with the franchise. Ruturaj also didn’t perform in the first few games of the season. But he was backed by the team management.

“Jadeja should’ve also continued. Maybe he would’ve got 2-3 wins and his confidence would’ve skyrocketed. But I want to see how Jadeja the player fares this season after his exit from captaincy,” he further added.

The four-time champs will next confront Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at MCA, Pune on May 4 (Wednesday).

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