Mumbai: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ravindra Jadeja blamed the loss of too many early wickets during the power play for his team’s heavy defeat against Punjab Kings in Mumbai on Sunday.
So far it has been a horrible campaign for the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. The team is yet to win a single match, having played three matches so far.
“I think we lost too many wickets in the powerplay and didn’t find momentum from ball one. We need to find a way to come back stronger,” Jadeja said after the match.
Jadeja also backed Ruturaj Gaikwad’s poor form and reckoned he trusts Gaikwad will come back stronger, and that the team is behind him. Ruturaj clearly not having the best of starts in this year’s IPL, managing just two runs from his three outings.
“We need to give him confidence as we all know he’s a very good player. I’m sure he will come good.”
He also praised Shivam Dube, who has now scored back-to-back fifties.
“Dube has been batting well and I think keeping him in a good frame of mind is the key. We will try our best to work hard and come back stronger.”
Jadeja also revealed is not feeling the burden of captaincy, as he was getting mentally prepared to take up the added responsibility after MS Dhoni decided to give up the leadership role. Dhoni handed over CSK captaincy to Jadeja on March 25, his announcement marked the end of an era. Under him, CSK won the title four times and finished runners up five times.
“I have been preparing since (Dhoni) told me few months ago. Mentally, I was ready to lead. I don’t have any pressure on me. I am just backing my instincts, going with whatever thoughts came to my mind,” Jadeja concluded.
CSK had lost to Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants in the first two games. They will now lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday (April 9).
