Former India and Chennai Super Kings cricketer S. Badrinath feels M.S. Dhoni has made the right decision in handing over the the Super Kings leadership to Ravindra Jadeja. Since Dhoni will still be playing, he will have time to groom Jadeja for the role and assist him in making on-field decisions.
Dhoni, 40, opted to pass over the captaincy of CSK to Jadeja on Thursday, ahead of the commencement of the IPL 2022. Jadeja, who has been with the franchise since 2012, will become only the third player to lead them, after Dhoni and Suresh Raina.
Dhoni has led the CSK to a record 121 wins in 204 IPL matches. He will continue to play for the franchise for at least this season, if not beyond.
Badrinath, who played for CSK under Dhoni, believes that the captaincy progression is a reasonable move because Dhoni is no longer at the pinnacle of his career. 'M.S. Dhoni's actions are unquestionably planned, and he would have thought about it for the past year or so. The news has finally arrived, but it was most likely on the way. Jadeja is presently a senior player who represents India in all three formats. I'm confident he'll play well, and with Dhoni on the field, Jaddu will have a strong backbone,' he told IANS.
Before becoming the host broadcaster for IPL 2022, Badrinath is spending time in Goa playing poker.
He also discussed players' natural growth, and how Dhoni can help Jadeja prepare for the upcoming IPL season by grooming him and assisting him in making judgments: 'It's a natural evolution for every cricketer, and we all know MS Dhoni isn't at the top of his game right now. As a result, it was bound to happen at some point. We don't know if this is his final season, so we'll have to find a captain. It's preferable when MS is around and can train a captain than when he is absent and Jadeja is left alone on the pitch. When MS is already on the pitch and can assist Jadeja, it's a sensible decision.'
Dhoni, the most expensive purchase at the first IPL auction in February 2008, has led CSK in every IPL season in which they have played. He led them to nine finals, winning and in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021, and finishing runners-up in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019.
For Badrinath, Dhoni has left a significant legacy as CSK captain. He feels Dhoni will continue to serve Chennai and have a significant influence as a player or a mentor: 'Dhoni's impact on CSK is undeniable. He has guided them to four championships and has been a major influence on the franchise, which will continue. I'm confident he'll be connected with the CSK for many more years, perhaps as a player, perhaps as a mentor.'
Jadeja's growth as a batter has also impressed Badrinath: 'Jadeja has always been a superb bowler and batter, but his batting has vastly improved in the previous two years. His powerful batting style distinguishes him as a true three-dimensional athlete. There will now be a fourth dimension, as well as captaincy.
'The only problem is that he has never captained a team, even in First-class cricket, so it's the only thing that needs to be looked at. But we all know how valuable he is to the squad. However, he already has a heavy schedule, which will only increase now that he has to field in a hotspot, bat and bowl, and captain the team. So, we will have to wait and watch how he does it.'
Jadeja's finishing ability, according to Badrinath, will be key for CSK's success in the IPL 2022: 'At No. 6, he takes on the role of a finisher. So, while he may be lacking as a hitter, and I doubt he would bowl four overs in every match, his finishing skills will be important to the team's success.'
IPL 15 will get off on 26 March at Wankhede Stadium, with a match between defending champions Chennai and runners-up Kolkata Knight Riders.