India veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja revealed that he had an argument with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni in a couple of games before the final on field placements during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, where the Chennai-based franchise defeated Gujarat Titans in a rain-affected final to win their fifth title.
Ravindra Jadeja, who was appointed as CSK skipper in IPL 2023 but he was later replaced by Dhoni after the team's poor performances in the league stage. The all-rounder played a crucial role in CSK's IPL 2023 triumph when he scored eight runs in the last two balls at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
"The 2023 IPL win was emotional as I went and hugged MS Dhoni after scoring 10 runs off the last two balls. Also, it was an emotional moment for Mahi bhai. We had an argument a couple of games before the final where we disagreed on the field placements and he explained to me that it was in team's interest. All the things piled up and lifting Mahi bhai was special as it was my time to payback all the faith and trust he has shown in me," Jadeja remarked, appearing on Ashwin's podcast.
However, Jadeja also praised MS Dhoni and gave him credit for shaping his career and constantly grooming him as a player.
"When I started, I didn't realise that I will play this many games for India in Test cricket. I always believed white ball was my forte and wanted to establish myself there. I used to feel that Test cricket is a little long as well. Only very sincere players can play for it. This was my mindset initially," Jadeja stated.
"I started playing in Jamnagar, at a ground called 'Cricket Bungalow', at the age of 8-9. My coach, who is still training at the same ground, is also from Bihar and his name is Mahendra Singh Chauhan. I have told this to Mahi bhai as well that my cricket journey is between two Mahendra's – Mahendra Singh Chauhan & Mahendra Singh Dhoni," Jadeja added.
CSK, who are the joint-most title winner, had a poor outing in the 18th edition of the tournament as they managed to win just four matches out of their 14 league matches. They ended tenth in the points table.