Rayudu said the alleged rift was nothing more than media gossip.
However, former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu recently dismissed the claims, saying that the alleged rift was nothing more than media gossip.
Ahead of the IPL 2022 season, Dhoni passed passing the captaincy baton to Jadeja. However, the all-rounder didn’t have a good start to his captaincy stint with the side winning just two out of the first eight games. Subsequently, he decided to relinquish the post and Dhoni was re-appointed CSK’s skipper.
In a post-match interaction, Dhoni then said that Jadeja knew that he will take over the captaincy in the 2022 season a year ahead but was not able to perform under pressure, which led to speculations of rift in the CSK camp.
In a recent interview with Behindwoods TV, Rayudu clarified the same and said that Jadeja was not upset with Dhoni.
"I don't think Jaddu was upset with Mahi bhai at all. It was just that he was sad because the team wasn't doing great. Everyone's performances that year were not coming up to the mark," Rayudu said.
CSK finished the IPL 2022 season in the 9th position on the points table featuring 10 teams. They managed to register only four wins from 14 league matches.
After last year’s disappointment, Jadeja made a triumphant return in the IPL 2023, hitting the winning runs in the final and securing CSK's fifth IPL title.
"He (Dhoni) has put this team and has made Jaddu what he is today. He has nurtured him for what, 10-12 years. So he would naturally be happy that the product that he made has won the final for CSK after whatever happened last year," Rayudu added.
He also hoped that Dhoni will lead the Super Kings in the 2024 edition of Indian Premier League as well.
"That's a testament to how CSK is that it keeps its family together. I hope Mahi bhai leads the team in the next season. Till the time he wants to play, he should lead the team," Rayudu concluded.