Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has retained Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali and Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. Filling all the brackets, Dhoni will act as a skipper and wicket-keeper, while Ruturaj will the play the role of an opener. Jadeja and Moeen will be seen fulfilng the duties of an all-rounder.
With Dhoni already 40 years old, it was earlier reported that the skipper of the franchise will hand over the leadership reins to Jadeja. However, a CSK official refuted such claims and added that Dhoni will continue to captain the “Whistle Podu Army”.
“There have been no discussions regarding the matter. We will cross the bridge when the time comes. Dhoni is CSK captain. He is the first player of CSK and when he decides to step down, he will make that call. We are now focused on the auction,” a CSK source said as quoted by InsideSport
Meanwhile, Star Sports Tamil Twitter account posted on microblogging site, asking CSK’s fans for the suggestions about playing XI of the team. They uploaded an image and filled the spots of retained players, slotting Jadeja at no.8 position.
As the tweet was in Tamil, the all-rounder first failed to understand the message and requested to translate it. However, when Ravindra Jadeja understood, he sent a a reply to the tweet. “No 8 too early for me ! Put me @ 11??,” Jadeja wrote.
No 8 too early for me ! Put me @ 11🤣🤣
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) January 29, 2022
Last two IPL seasons have witnessed Jadeja’s tremendous growth as a batsman. The 33-year-old cricketer plays the finisher’s role along with Dhoni.
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In a successful campain last year, the swashbuckling all-rounder scored 227 runs and claimed 13 wickets as well. Jadeja accumulated 232 runs in the 2020 edition of the IPL.
With Dhoni expected to retire soon from the IPL, Jadeja responsibility will be certainly added. The franchise sees a leader in him and he may become the face of the team post Dhoni’s retirement.