Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ravindra Jadeja put out a tweet as soon as the franchise announced their list of released and retained players ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 auction next month. Jadeja wrote "Everything is fine (with yellow heart emoji) #RESTART" with a photo of him with skipper MS Dhoni.
After a dismal performance in IPL 2022, there were speculations over Jadeja’s future in the franchise as the stepped down from the captaincy role mid-season. Few reports also suggested that he is in talks with Mumbai Indians (MI). However, there was no love lost between the all-rounder and the second-most successful IPL franchise.
Jadeja was retained for a huge sum of Rs 16 crore by CSK before the mega auction. He was made captain and led the Chennai-based franchise in eight games. The southpaw could lead the side to win only two games. Hence, he had to step down from the captaincy and Dhoni took over mid-season.
The 33-year-old also got injured and missed a few games. In 10 games he played last season, he could score just 116 runs at an average of 19.33. He could take only five wickets at an average of 49.60. He was not his usual self while fielding as well and dropped few crucial catches.
While Jadeja was retained, CSK released their legendary overseas all-rounder Dwayne Bravo who was picked for Rs 4.4 crore in the mega auction.
"It's a very tough call. As far as retention is concerned and releasing of players, you know that CSK has always been very passionate with the players, and they have also been contributing to the franchise. It becomes very difficult for us to decide while releasing the players.
"The contribution they have made to CSK will always be cherished and we know that if there is an opportunity for any of them to come back, they will be back in CSK colours," said CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan.
Viswanathan also cleared the air over who will lead the side in IPL 2023.
"Everybody knows that Thalaiva (Dhoni) will lead the side and he will do his best and the team will do well," he said.
