IPL 2022: I am still learning as captain, says Ravindra Jadeja

Chennai Super Kings rookie captain Ravindra Jadeja admitted that he is still learning as a captain. Jadeja, who has all the experience as a player, couldn’t lead with aplomb in the first four matches of the tourney as the franchise suffered four losses. However, Jadeja registered his first win as a leader when CSK defeated in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore by 23 runs at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Tuesday.

CSK posted an above par score of 216 runs after Shivam Dube scored an unbeaten 95 runs whereas Robin Uthappa smashed 88 runs. In fact, CSK had scored mediocre 60-2 in the first 10 overs but the duo was able to change gears like a superfast car in the next five overs.

Dube and Uthappa showed no respite for the RCB bowlers as they took them to the cleaners at regular intervals. RCB had no answer to their onslaught as Dube and Uthappa found boundaries at will and added 165 runs together.

On the other hand, Jadeja looked in more control as a leader in his field placements and bowling changes. This win will certainly add a shot to his arm and hence will also boost team’s morale as they had lost their first four matches.

Jadeja lauded the collective effort of the team and heaped special praise on Shivam Dube and Robin Uthappa, who both were instrumental in taking CSK past the 200-run mark.

Furthermore, Maheesh Theekshana bowled a superb spell as he returned with four wickets whereas Jadeja also lead from the front as he scalped three wickets in his quota of four overs. CSK captain dedicated the win to his wife and the team.

Ravindra Jadeja said in the post-match presentation, “First of all, this is the first victory as a captain ever. I would like to dedicate to my wife and also the team because first victory is always special. Previous four games, we couldn’t cross the line. But as a team, we came good. As a batting unit, everybody did a good job. Robbie and Shivam batted brilliantly. The bowlers contributed with the ball as well. Our management don’t put pressure on me, they are relaxed, they always come to me and motivate. As a captain, I am still picking brains of the senior players. Mahi bhai is there, I always go to him and discuss. Moulding into a new role, it’ll take time to get things going. I am still learning and trying to get better with each game. We have plenty of experience in our dressing room. Experience comes into play, we don’t panic early. We try to keep ourselves calm, we back ourselves and we look to play positive cricket. We’ll look to push hard, we’ve got the momentum, we’ll try and continue the momentum.”

CSK will next take on Gujarat Titans at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Sunday.