Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has opened up on the much-talked about relationship between MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. While CSK enjoyed a victorious campaign in IPL 2023, their campaign was in danger of getting sour once again as chatter of friction between the two superstars started hogging the limelight.
It all began in IPL 2022 when rumours suggested that not all was well between MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. The rumours only increased after Jadeja left the campaign with an injury. Reports suggested that the allrounder might leave the franchise but he decided to play for CSK once again.
In 2023, the rumours resurfaced after Jadeja was reportedly irked by chants of “we want Dhoni!” every time he walked in to bat. The rumours further intensified after MS Dhoni and Jadeja were seen having an animated discussion right on the field after the game against Delhi Capitals. Soon, Jadeja added fuel to the fire by posting some cryptic tweets.
CSK CEO on MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja tussle:
With neither MS Dhoni nor Jadeja openly denying the allegations of a rift between them, the cricket fans have been left guessing. Amidst all these, Viswanathan has commented on the matter and has hinted that Jadeja might have been hurt with Dhoni chants while he was batting in IPL 2023. Viswanathan also stated that the allrounder did not complain although he posted a tweet.
“As far as Jadeja is concerned, he bowled superbly,” Viswanathan told ESPNCricinfo Tamil. “While batting, our line-up of Ruturaj, Conway, Moeen, Rahane, with the results, whenever he [Jadeja] went in to bat, he had 5-10 balls left. In such situations, it can or can’t click sometimes.
“But the thing is he also knew Dhoni was to come in next, and he himself would get just 2-3 balls sometimes. In such situations whenever he went in, the crowd used to welcome Dhoni. In a way, he may have felt hurt. Any player for that matter may have had that pressure. But he didn’t complain about it even though he put out a tweet,” he added.
He also talked about the moment when he was seen talking to Jadeja after the latter’s animated chat with Dhoni following the game against Delhi. Recalling the incident, Viswanathan said:
“It’s all part and parcel of the game. After the last game, people saw videos online and assumed I’m pacifying Jadeja, but it wasn’t like that. I was talking to him about the match, what he did. We didn’t have any other discussion.
“Everyone knows in a team environment, what happens in the dressing room, no one is privy to it outside. We don’t have any problem. He always had high respect for Dhoni. After the final also, he said, ‘I dedicate this knock to Dhoni.’ That is the kind of respect he has for MS,” he added.
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