Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was recently in the headlines for all the good reasons as they won their fifth league title by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The title-clinching victory for CSK came after a disastrous 2022 season, where they finished ninth on the points table.
It is worth mentioning that Ravindra Jadeja led CSK in 2022 before MS Dhoni took back the captaincy reigns from him in the later half of the tournament following the team’s bad run under the all-rounder’s leadership. The decision not just triggered many fans but also sparked rumours of a rift between Jadeja and Dhoni.
Later the debate of differences between the two veteran CSK batters once again came to the limelight after Jadeja removed all posts related to the Chennai-based franchise from his Instagram account. The IPL 2023 even added more fuel to the debate, with Dhoni scolding Jadeja on the field in a match against Delhi Capitals (DC) and then the latter sharing a ‘Karma’ tweet on Twitter. However, amidst all the speculations of the fight between two of Chennai’s most important players, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan has now come forward and addressed the issue publicly.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Kasi said that Jadeja holds his skipper Dhoni in high regard. He also clarified his video with Jadeja that is being circulated on the internet and interpreted as him pacifying the spinner.
“It’s all part and parcel of the game. After the last game, people saw videos online and assumed I’m pacifying Jadeja, but it wasn’t like that. I was talking to him about the match, what he did. We didn’t have any other discussion. Everyone knows in a team environment, what happens in the dressing room, no one is privy to it outside. We don’t have any problem. He always had high respect for Dhoni. After the final also, he said, ‘I dedicate this knock to Dhoni.’ That is the kind of respect he has for MS,” said Kasi.
“He said, ‘look, the fifth title has been delivered.’ It’s a big relief. He praised Jadeja for the effort and confidence he showed. It [Ahmedabad] was like a home ground for him [Jadeja]. It was very satisfying. Everyone knows how Dhoni has brought up Jadeja from 2012 at CSK. He has the satisfaction of seeing a home[1]grown boy deliver the title for CSK,” he added.
Notably, Jadeja played a major role in helping CSK win their fifth IPL title and then hugged Dhoni in a heartwarming gesture to celebrate the triumph. Dhoni was seen lifting Jadeja in excitement as well.
