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“Better late than never” – Ajay Jadeja on MS Dhoni returning as CSK captain
By SMCS - May 1, 2022 1:00 pm
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Former India player Ajay Jadeja said that Ravindra Jadeja handing the captaincy back to MS Dhoni will a good move for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He added that Dhoni is a proven leader and also suggested that the side would benefit with Dhoni as the captain. While speaking on Cricbuzz, Ajay Jadeja stated that if MS Dhoni is in a team, then he should be the leader.

MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja

Notably, Ravindra Jadeja was handed over the captaincy just before the season started. And, after leading CSK in eight matches, the veteran all-rounder has decided to step down as skipper and give the responsibility to MS Dhoni again. However, CSK failed to do well this season and Jadeja’s captaincy came under the scanner. He said: “If MS Dhoni is in the team, he must be the captain. Everyone is happy and I feel Ravindra Jadeja too would be relieved as the burden is off his shoulders now.”

However, speaking in the video, former India opener Virender Sehwag has also stated that CSK now have a significant chance to bounce back as MS Dhoni is set to lead the side for the rest of IPL 2022. However, CSK are currently placed at the ninth position in the points table after securing just two wins from their eight games so far as well.

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Sehwag added: “We have been saying since Day 1 that if MS Dhoni is not the captain, then CSK is not going to succeed. Better late than never. They have the chance to stage a turnaround as they still have half of their matches left.”

Ajay Jadeja further added: “I don’t think Ravindra Jadeja had any choice when he was appointed as the captain. Not that you’ve taken it back from him, he may not have had a choice here either. But this could very well be Jadeja’s call. But I feel that it has happened a bit late. It’s very difficult when you’ve played under someone and you have to now lead the side when he’s still on the ground.”

ms dhoni

Meanwhile, former Chennai Super Kings spinner Imran Tahir believes Ravindra Jadeja’s decision to step down from captaincy mid-way through IPL 2022 is a positive move for them as well.

While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Tahir said: “I believe it’s a pretty good thing. It’s an honor to lead such a big franchise. Jadeja, as we know, is a world-class player, I call him ‘Zoro’ because he’s a very multi-talented guy. But unfortunately, he couldn’t replicate that as a captain. So I think it’s his grandeur that he stepped down himself and handed over the team’s responsibility to Dhoni bhai. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. It will possibly reduce the pressure on Jadeja and he’ll be able to play his natural game and concentrate on that.”

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Tahir continued: “MS Dhoni is one of the world’s best captains who has run this team for so many years. It’s a great thing. There’s no need for Jadeja to feel down that he couldn’t do well. He probably thought that irrespective of where they finish, the team should at least play good, confident cricket in the remaining matches and Mahi bhai will have a big role to play in that. He can use his experience and expertise in such situations. I believe what Jadeja has done is a great thing and I respect him for that. This will benefit him and I feel Mahi bhai will run the team in a strong fashion from here on.”

MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings will next play on Sunday (May 1) against Sunriders Hyderabad (SRH) in the 46th match of IPL 2022 at the MCA Stadium in Pune.