Legendary CSK player MS Dhoni has been revealed to have groomed Ravindra Jadeja to part ways with his former franchise and join Rajasthan Royals. It was reported that Jadeja decided to leave CSK after talking with his former captain.
For years, Chennai Super Kings have retained some of their key players who stayed with the franchise for over a decade or more. Alongside MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja is one such player who has stayed with the Super Kings since his arrival in 2012.
While most of their teammates and veterans of the game like Suresh Raina, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ambati Rayudu and Robin Uthappa have retired from the game, these two remain the last two players from the golden days of CSK’s triumph.
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MS Dhoni convinced Ravindra Jadeja to part ways with CSK
Ravindra Jadeja was first opened the door to a call-up to the Indian team by the then skipper MS Dhoni. He played for India as well as CSK under the guidance of the great leader who selected him as a very good cricketer. Jadeja also retained his name throughout his international career which spanned ten years.
The two CSK stars share a very close bond, which was even more evident when Dhoni lifted Jadeja after winning the title in 2023. It was Dhoni’s fifth title in the IPL, and Jadeja reached the boundary to secure a win for CSK.
As per the latest reports, MS Dhoni has informed Jadeja that this will be his last season in the IPL and he is also unlikely to play all the matches in the season. Therefore, with Dhoni leaving and the team management looking for new faces in the team, Jadeja would be the only experienced leader left in the team.
MS Dhoni, therefore, reportedly advised Jadeja to explore options among other teams, especially when a trade offer for him was already being considered. While this might be a suggestion from Dhoni, the move is a well-considered one from the Indian all-rounder.
Ravindra Jadeja lured by captaincy offer to join Rajasthan Royals
It has also been reported that Ravindra Jadeja is now among the favorites for the captaincy after moving into the Rajasthan Royals den. Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal were already in the race for the role, with Jadeja as the new contender.
Now, journalist Rohit Juglan has mentioned that Ravindra Jadeja has had a decorated and accomplished career, except for this latest gamble, the captaincy. He was offered the captaincy of CSK, which was taken away after a few defeats during the season.
However, with an offer of full-time captaincy, Jadeja, who initially seemed reluctant about the move, might have been lured by the captaincy offer.
CSK retain leadership role after Ashwin-Jadeja’s departure
Chennai Super Kings will be without their two most veteran spinners of all time if the Jadeja deal goes as planned. Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement a few months ago and Ravindra Jadeja is likely to move away from the franchise.
The Chepauk tracks, however, continue to offer immense help to the spinners, and Noor Ahmed made full use of the conditions last time out. Thus, Noor, the young Afghan, could feature on the cards of CSK’s retention plans, as confirmed by a RevSportz journalist.
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