Ravindra Jadeja step down from CSK captaincy in IPL 2022 for this reason

Ravindra Jadeja stepping down as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain has raised as many questions as when he took over the captaincy from MS Dhoni on March 24, 2022. just days before the team’s first IPL match this year. Ravindra Jadeja step down from CSK captaincy in IPL 2022 for this reason.

Around 7.15 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2022, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officially called a halt to their month-long experiment with captaincy. It was officially announced that: “Ravindra Jadeja has decided to relinquish captaincy to focus and concentrate more on his game and has requested MS Dhoni to lead CSK. M.S. Dhoni has accepted to lead CSK in the larger interest and to allow Jadeja to focus on his game.”

Jadeja stepping down as captain raised more questions on just why the all-rounder made this decision. The franchise management was quick to point out that they had no role in the decision and that it was made by the cricketing minds involved in the process.

“This is a decision taken by the team management and Jaddu (Jadeja), a decision which we have now published in the press. Team officials didn’t have a say in this, only the team management. Jaddu expressed his desire to relinquish captaincy and give it back to MSD, who is taking up the responsibility in the larger interest of the franchise,” Kashi Viswanathan, CSK CEO, told media.

This led to mixed reactions, much like the announcement of Jadeja taking over the captaincy from Dhoni had on March 24, 2022, just two days before the start of the 15th Indian Premier League (IPL). There was no indication before March 24, 2022, that Dhoni was going to call it quits as captain because he was actively involved in the pre-tournament discussions within the franchise.

He planned the auction and strategies around who should be bought or retained. Though an effort has been made to put the matter to rest, the entire experiment raised questions about Jadeja’s ability to lead under pressure. Jadeja always seemed to be reluctant to make a call and appeared diffident on the field.

He always looked at Dhoni with reverence on the field and did not seem to assert his authority as the captain of the side. “Feeling good but at the same time I need to fill in big boots. Like Mahi bhai has already set a big legacy and we need to carry it forward, so hopefully I will. And I don’t need to worry too much because he’s here and whatever question I need to ask, I’ll definitely go to him said Jadeja on taking over the CSK captaincy.

But Jadeja on the field appeared lost. He would field in the deep unlike what captains usually do, because they prefer to be close to the bowler and the action. As Jadeja was the best fielder in the CSK camp, he would be required to man the outfield. He did so with a lot of élan. But closer to the 22 yards, MS Dhoni was still calling the shots and making calls, placing fielders.

Sometimes even Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies all-rounder would get involved, but Jadeja would be missing, seemingly lost in thought in the outfield. This was hardly a good sign. Then there was this one occasion when Dhoni called for a referral, forgetting that he was no longer in charge and then he reminded Jadeja to take the call.