File photo of Ravindra Jadeja with wife Rivaba© Twitter
Ravindra Jadeja is a very crucial cog in the plan of Chennai Super Kings. With MS Dhoni taking a backseat by relinquishing his captaincy with the five-time IPL champions, current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will have to depend on veteran Jadeja to take the team forward. Jadeja was also previously appointed as CSK’s skipper in 2022, but he quit after eight matches, with MS Dhoni taking charge once again. In CSK’s first match of the IPL 2024, Jadeja scored a crucial 25* and also gave away just 21 runs in his four overs.
He was recently involved in a hilarious Insta chat with his wife Rivaba. She posted an image with Jadeja’s photo in the background on Instagram. In that picture, Jadeja said, “Mera hukum hai room aao jaldi (My order has come to the room)”. Rivaba wore a t-shirt with ‘Hukum’ written on it.
Two years ago, the Super Kings had made a similar change with Ravindra replacing Jadeja Dhoni at the helm. However, that decision had to be reversed in the middle of the IPL 2022 campaign as Jadeja failed to impress as the skipper. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming now expects Jadeja to play a supporting role for new captain Gaikwad in the side.
Fleming revealed that the decision was taken by Dhoni after much deliberation. The wicketkeeper-batsman then announced the news to his teammates at the dinner table before informing the same to the management.
The CSK coach does not think Ruturaj’s promotion will have any effect on Jadeja, who remains a ‘tough character’.
“Jadeja went down in CSK folklore with those two shots he played in the last two balls of the last IPL. Jadeja is a tough character and there is a strong component of leadership in him and Ruturaj will definitely use his help,” said Fleming.
When asked about the reasons behind Ruturaj’s appointment, the coach added: “Ruturaj is very confident, he has a great approach to fellow contributors and is highly respected in the group.”
Dhoni struggled with injury problems at the end of last year and there were also doubts about his fitness in the run-up to the new season. But it is Thala’s desire that transcends his limitations.
“His body is stronger than last season and the most amazing thing about him is his durability and desire. His ability to come back time and time again is almost contagious. Add to that the skills he still has and he has had a lot of success .” the ball beautifully against the net,” said Fleming.
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