Ajay Jadeja, ex-India cricketer recently stated that the presence of MS Dhoni will be key for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the next season 2023 of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ajay Jadeja mentioned that the veteran keeper has been synonymous with the franchise right from the inaugural edition (IPL 2008).
The cricketer-turned-commentator Ajay Jadeja pointed out that while several teams have undergone major changes over the years, CSK has shown unwavering faith in MS Dhoni. Ajay Jadeja suggested that the four-time champions cannot afford to have anyone else as their skipper.
Ajay Jadeja: One Cannot Imagine CSK Without MS Dhoni
Ajay Jadeja added that the management tried going in a different direction by handing the captaincy reins to Ravindra Jadeja ahead of IPL 2022. Ajay Jadeja highlighted how the move backfired as the Chennai Super Kings failed to qualify for the all-important playoffs.
Ajay Jadeja said: “You cannot imagine CSK without MS Dhoni. We have seen that a lot of the teams have changed over the years but Dhoni has been with the side right from the team’s inception. You cannot think beyond Dhoni. They tried changing things by handing the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja but we all saw what happened.”
The Chennai Super Kings allrounder Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out of the remainder of the IPL on May 11 due to an injury. Consequently, he was released by CSK and returned home. Talking about Ravindra Jadeja’s performance, he had managed to score just 116 runs at a modest strike rate of 118 in 10 games. His highest score with the bat this season was only 26. With the ball, he had picked up 5 wickets.
It is worth mentioning that Ravindra Jadeja relinquished the captaincy after just eight matches. MS Dhoni is back as the leader and has confirmed that he will take part in next year’s cash-rich league. MS Dhoni, who had led the CSK since 2008, had given Ravindra Jadeja the leadership role ahead of the ongoing season.
CSK began the season with five losses in five games before registering two wins on the trot. Unfortunately, they lost their 8th game as well which meant their playoff hopes were virtually over only to see MS Dhoni back as skipper.
Virender Sehwag Doesn’t Think Anyone Apart From MS Dhoni Can Lead The Side CSK Successfully
Virender Sehwag, who was also present, opined that CSK skipper MS Dhoni brings in the luck factor with him. He added that there’s no other player who can lead the team as well as MS Dhoni does.
Virender Sehwag cheekily suggested that the CSK owners should consider not playing in Chennai next year to ensure that MS Dhoni stays back for yet another season. He claimed that the seasoned campaigner’s leadership is the main reason behind the franchise’s success in the tournament.
Virender Sehwag said: “India Cements should ensure that CSK don’t play in Chennai next year too so that Dhoni can be there for another season. I am a believer in the luck factor and MS Dhoni brings that with him. There is a chance that there will be a better keeper or a better batter than MS Dhoni but I don’t think anyone can lead the side like he does. CSK win only because of Dhoni’s captaincy and the way he utilizes his resources.”
MS Dhoni disclosed on Friday that he would return for the next edition of the IPL. He stated that it won’t be fair for Chennai fans if he doesn’t play in front of them once again before his retirement. MS Dhoni added another feather to his cap in the 2021 edition of the league as CSK won their fourth title. Ahead of the 2022 edition of the league, MS Dhoni was one of the four retained players by the franchise and he was retained for a sum of INR 12 crore.
After a disappointing IPL 2020 (200 runs) and IPL 2021 (114 runs) with the bat, MS Dhoni scored 232 runs in IPL 2022 averaging 33.14 in 14 games with 1 fifty besides his name.