Ravindra Jadeja’s considerable growth as a batsman has persuaded Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to send him “those extra deliveries” that can change the game’s complexion. Jadeja almost single-handedly defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by 69 runs, scoring 62 not out off 28 balls while also taking three wickets and causing a run-out. “Jaddu is a player who has the ability to change the game on his own.” When asked about Jadeja being sent in at No. 5, Dhoni said, “We’ve seen tremendous improvement in batting in the last few years, and it’s worth it to give him the extra bit of time, extra deliveries.”
The other factor is that when left-handers get moving, they’re difficult to handle, as Jadeja demonstrated with 37 runs off a Harshal Patel over.
“The bowlers have had a hard time containing left-handed batsmen, which helps,” Dhoni said.
The match’s player of the match said he had never seen a better day on a cricket pitch. “I don’t believe so (if he had a better day). I’ve been putting in a lot of effort to improve my health, abilities, and everything else. Fortunately, it paid off. Being an all-rounder is a difficult job; you must work in all divisions “Jadeja remarked.
“I don’t work on all three during practising,” Jadeja said when asked how he performs on his schedule. “I do skill work one day, training one day, and exercise one day.”
Jadeja said his skipper had told him Harhal would bowl outside the off-stump, so he took his chances.
“I really had to go for broke. Mahi bhai said he’d bowl somewhere outside, and luckily I was able to communicate with him.”
No one, according to Dhoni, can forecast the magnitude of victory, but once they passed 190, he realised they were 25 runs ahead of par.
“It’s a decent wicket, but I thought the spinners had something up their sleeves, and I thought Jadeja’s extra couple of runs helped.” 165 will have been appropriate, though with an additional 25 points, the opposition would have to work a little harder.
“You can’t base your plan on what the dew will do; to be honest, some games have been high-scoring, and others have been low-scoring. Every game must be evaluated, and today we made the correct decision to bat.”
Dhoni also decided to make it clear that CSK hasn’t changed their strategy from last year.
“We’re not doing much new this year than we did last year.” We keep saying that Fleming and I are focused on the operation.
“If you stick to your course even when you’re under duress, you get more respect.” That, I believe, instilled a lot of faith in the game. The players deserve credit.”