'We are lucky to have his advice' - Ravindra Jadeja on MS Dhoni helping out with captaincy experience

Chennai Super Kings’ new captain Ravindra Jadeja heaped praises on MS Dhoni for the invaluable advice the latter has been instilling in the dressing room and in the field. Jadeja is relatively new to the leadership role as the last time he captained was way back in his U19 days and he has had a tough time in the role so far in the first three games. However, with Dhoni around, Jadeja was quite happy to get inputs from him and relied on the experience of the veteran.

Dhoni has been a big part of the franchise ever since the inception of IPL in 2008 and has taken the side to four IPL trophies to be the second most successful side in the tournament history. Despite him stepping down as captain ahead of the start of the IPL this year, Dhoni’s experience will always come into play.

It was evident in the way skipper Jadeja moved to the boundary in the game against LSG, confidently knowing that Dhoni will look after the field setting and the bowling advice.

We don’t have to look anywhere else for advice: Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja mentioned that he was fielding in the deep mid-wicket area because of the fact that it was a high-scoring game and noted that a good fielder would be required on the boundary lines. He lavished praises on Dhoni’s presence in the field for advice and reckoned that CSK were lucky to have him in the squad.

“No, the last match (against LSG) was a high-scoring game so there are chances of catches at deep mid-wicket and our thinking was that it would be better a good fielder had to be there. So, I was not able to communicate with the bowlers much. But Mahi Bhai gives inputs, that is good, he is so experienced so we don’t have to look anywhere else for advice.

“He’s a legend and has been captaining for so many years, that experience is there in our dressing room only so we are lucky to have his advice,” Jadeja said during the post-match press conference. The newly minted CSK skipper also mentioned that he had been preparing mentally for the leadership role and wasn’t much pressured by the occasion. He added that one game could turn around their losing streak in IPL 2022.

“I have been preparing for captaincy since I was told me a few months ago. Mentally I was ready to lead, I didn’t have any pressure on me, backed my instincts, just thinking and whatever thoughts come in my mind I go for it. In T20 cricket, only one match is required to gain momentum and then the winning streak begins.

“We are searching for that one win. Once that comes, everyone is experienced in the team and knows their roles. We are just working hard to get in the rhythm and waiting for our plans to click,” he added.