Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise announced MS Dhoni’s decision to step down as the leader of the franchise just two days before the commencement of the 15th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was appointed as the leader of the defending champions.
Jadeja recently opened up on Dhoni’s decision to step down as the CSK skipper. Moreover, while talking about the new responsibilities, the new CSK skipper said that he is under no pressure.
Jadeja's big revelation
“I have been preparing since (Dhoni) told me few months ago. Mentally, I was ready to lead. I don't have any pressure on me. I am just backing my instincts, going with whatever thoughts came to my mind,” Jadeja told reporters after his side’s defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Jadeja could not start the IPL 2022 campaign on a positive note after losing all the three matches. CSK suffered a 54-run defeat against PBKS on April 3 (Sunday). After the match, Jadeja pointed out that they “lost too many wickets in the powerplay.”
“We lost too many wickets in the powerplay, we didn’t find the momentum from ball one, so we need to find a way how we can get better and come back stronger," CSK skipper said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
CSK in IPL 2022
Batting first, the Mayank Agarwal-led side had registered a total of 180/8 in 20 overs against CSK. PBKS all-rounder Liam Livingstone played a brilliant innings of 60 runs off 32 balls to help his side in reaching a solid total.
In reply, the defending champions lost their first five wickets within eight overs. Later, all-rounder Shivam Dube (57 runs off 30 balls) put up a brave effort to help his side in avoiding the early danger. But eventually his innings proved to be inconsequential as CSK were bundled out for 126 in 18 overs.
Previously, in the IPL 2022 season opener, the Chennai-based team suffered a six-wicket defeat against last season’s finalists Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In their next match, CSK conceded a six-wicket defeat against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Batting first, CSK had posted a huge total of 210/7 in 20 overs. But in reply, the Hardik Pandya-led side successfully reached the target with three balls remaining.
