Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels Ravindra Jadeja should not be blamed for Chennai Super Kings’ dismal performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season. The franchise has won just three out of its ten matches so far.
MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, at the start of the season. However, in mid-season, the all-rounder handed back the leadership duty to MS Dhoni. Many blamed Jadeja’s leadership for Chennai Super Kings‘ performance in the tournament. However, Aakash Chopra feels it is unfair to blame the all-rounder.
Speaking in a video on his Youtube Channel, the former cricketer expressed that Jadeja wasn’t involved while building the team, and hence does not deserve to be blamed. He said,
“I won’t blame Jadeja for CSK’S troubles because this is not his team. When I haven’t made the team, why would I take all the blame? Jaddu the captain was always going to be a question mark as he doesn’t have experience of captaincy at any level. On top of it, you made a ‘reunion’ team.”
Aakash Chopra further pointed out, that the absence of their lead pacer Deepak Chahar too hasn’t helped the Chennai Super Kings. He added, that Jadeja could not be blamed for his personal form in the tournament.
“Deepak Chahar also got injured and they couldn’t find a quality replacement. The one thing that Jadeja is responsible for is his form. But apart from that, I don’t think we should blame him. When you make a strong team, only then the team does well. Even Dhoni won one and lost one, isn’t it?” Aakash said.
Ravindra Jadeja has scored only 116 runs in ten innings so far in the tournament. Even with the ball, the all-rounder hasn’t been able to make a mark. He takes five wickets to his name in ten matches.
“God only knows” – Aakash Chopra on Chennai Super Kings’ next skipper
The Chennai Super Kings will have to find a new captain for themselves if MS Dhoni decides to not play anymore. The wicket-keeper is 40-years old and does not consistently play the sport, post his retirement. With Faf du Plessis not part of the franchise anymore, Aakash Chopra believes CSK will have to hunt for the next captain if Dhoni calls time on his career.
“God only knows! (On who should be CSK’s next captain.) They are stuck now. When they made Jadeja the captain, they would have thought that maybe he would lead them in the future. But you let go of Faf and you won’t be making Moeen Ali or Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain. So if next year Dhoni decides not to play anymore, they will have to shop for a captain,” said Aakash Chopra.
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