Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, securing their fifth title in a thrilling final against the Gujarat Titans. The win was sealed in dramatic fashion as Ravindra Jadeja collected ten runs off the last two balls, sparking celebration and a viral moment as he embraced team captain MS Dhoni. While rumors of a rift between Jadeja and Dhoni had surfaced during the campaign, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has addressed the issue, clarifying the dynamics of their relationship.
Throughout the IPL season, there were moments that hinted at a potential strain between Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni. In a post-match interview, Jadeja expressed disappointment in fans eagerly awaiting his dismissal to see Dhoni take the strike. This sentiment was amplified when Jadeja liked a social media post discussing the crowd cheering for his dismissal, indicating that it had hurt him. Additionally, Jadeja posted a series of cryptic tweets, leading fans to speculate that they were directed at Dhoni.
Amidst the growing speculation, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has broken his silence on the matter, shedding light on the relationship between Jadeja and Dhoni. Viswanathan acknowledged that Jadeja was indeed hurt by the crowd’s behavior but stressed that it did not translate into any ill feelings towards Dhoni.
Viswanathan praised Jadeja’s exceptional performance throughout the season, emphasizing his contributions to the team’s success. Despite limited opportunities with the bat due to CSK’s formidable batting lineup, Jadeja showcased his brilliance with both bat and ball whenever called upon. His bowling performances were commendable, and he accepted his limited chances to bat with grace and professionalism.
Kasi Viswanathan further highlighted the deep respect Jadeja holds for MS Dhoni, emphasizing that any hurt feelings were related to the fans’ response rather than a strained relationship between the two players. Jadeja’s admiration for Dhoni’s cricketing abilities and leadership remains intact, with no complaints or grievances brought forth to the management.
“Jadeja was superb for us this season. He bowled well but couldn’t get enough chance to bat because of our brilliant batting line-up. He only got to bat for 5-10 balls, and you do not click sometimes.”
“Talking about MS Dhoni, Jadeja might have felt hurt by how the crowd used to welcome Dhoni, but there were no anti-feelings for the skipper. The 34-year-old did not complain about it even though he put out a tweet.”
The clarification by CSK’s CEO reinforces the unity and camaraderie within the Chennai Super Kings squad. Despite occasional rumors and external speculations, the team has displayed a strong bond and collective focus, culminating in their triumphant fifth IPL title. The support and encouragement between players, including Jadeja and Dhoni, have been pivotal in their success.
