Ravindra Jadeja's decision to step down as CSK skipper could not have been an easy one, but former England spinner Graeme Swann believes it was a bold move. On April 30, Chennai Super Kings stated that Jadeja had stepped down as captain and MS Dhoni will lead the side in the remainder of the IPL 2022 season.
At the start of the IPL 2022 season, Jadeja took over the captaincy role from Dhoni and had a chance to emerge from Dhoni's shadow. However, the fortunes of CSK went from bad to worse as lost six of its first eight matches and is at risk of missing the playoffs for the second time in IPL history.
"Ravindra Jadeja has decided to relinquish captaincy to focus and concentrate more on his game & has requested MS Dhoni to lead CSK. MS Dhoni has accepted to lead CSK in the larger interest & to allow Jadeja to focus on his game," CSK said in a statement.
Jadeja's game has suffered as a result of the strain that comes with being the captain, as he has only scored 112 runs and taken five wickets in eight games.
Dhoni and CSK had always depended on steadiness, therefore this was a surprising call. MS Dhoni will lead the 4-time champions against SunRisers Hyderabad at the MCA Stadium in Pune on May 1.
Speaking to Star Sports, Swann said that CSK has the firepower to win all of their remaining six games and qualify for the play-offs, but that it's more essential to applaud Jadeja for making a bold decision.
He said: "They can do anything, they are a very strong outfit, they could even win match after match and maybe even quality. What I want to say to Jadeja is that takes a brave bloke to do that because the male ego doesn't want to say 'you know I am not doing this job, I am not enjoying it. He said the best for the team and the best for me, is not to be skipper. So well done, it's a brilliant move."
Swann also stated that Chennai Super Kings supporters will be ecstatic that Dhoni will be once again the captain.
"It's a move that all CSK fans probably want and expect but didn't dare dream would happen. But now we are going to see the best of MSD leading with those gloves on," Swann added.
