Kedar Jadhav requires motivation from skipper MS Dhoni so that he can do better: Virender Sehwag

Chennai Super Kings’ Kedar Jadhav was bashed from all corners following his dismal performance during CSK’s 10-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. Jadhav, who was sent ahead of the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo, failed to accelerate the run-flow.

He was trolled on social media for his sluggish 7 off 12 deliveries. The all-rounder’s inefficiency to speed up rate during the run-chase evidently cost CSK two crucial points. While several fans have asked CSK to axe Jadhav for their upcoming game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, former India opener Virender Sehwag has suggested MS Dhoni to back and encourage the player.

In the 21st episode of his Facebook show, Viru Ki Baithak, Sehwag addressed several topics related to the on-going IPL. With CSK’s next outing being against Virat Kohli’s RCB, Sehwag was asked his take on Jadhav’s inclusion in the Playing XI.

Kedar Jadhav should be in the playing XI for CSK: Virender Sehwag

Sehwag admitted that Jadhav hasn’t looked at his best in the past few games but remains a good player who can come out and do better in the upcoming matches.

“Jadhav has played for India in the past and is still a part of the national setup. He should be in the playing XI for CSK but he does require a little motivation from the skipper Dhoni so that he can do better. He might have flopped in one or two matches but I hope in the coming matches he will do well,” he said in the video.

Talking about Jadhav’s woeful form with the bat, the right-hander has gathered just 58 runs in four innings for CSK at a dismal average of 19.33. To add to his woes, his strike-rate is only 98.30 in six matches so far.

One of the most successful franchises of the IPL, CSK have been missing the services of Suresh Raina in the middle-order. The Yellow Army currently doesn’t have someone who can fill the void left by their vice-captain. In the absence of Raina, uncapped Ruturaj Gaikwad has also failed to grab the opportunities he has gotten so far.

Though fans have asked CSK team management to drop Jadhav from the Playing XI, the question remains who’ll replace him in the side. Murali Vijay has also failed to deliver with the willow this season, resulting in the CSK team management going in with the Shane Watson-Faf du Plessis opening pair.